Quality Manager – Tier 1 JIT Automotive Manufacturing

Position Title: Quality Manager
Location: Arlington, TX
Department: Quality
Reports To: Plant Manager (General Manager)

Position Summary

The Quality Manager leads the plant’s Quality Organization to ensure the delivery of defect‑free, compliant, and on‑time product to our customers within a Tier 1 Just‑In‑Time (JIT) manufacturing environment. This role oversees all quality systems, customer interface, problem‑solving initiatives, supplier quality, internal controls, and continuous improvement activities required to maintain IATF compliance and meet GM Customer Specific Requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & OEM Interface

• Serve as the primary point of contact for GM SQE, warranty, and launch teams.
• Ensure full adherence to GM Customer Specific Requirements, including APQP, PPAP, GP‑12, Run@Rate, and CQI assessments.
• Lead containment, communication, and corrective actions for any GM concerns (PRR, QN, SCAR, BIQS issues, etc.).
• Maintain strong responsiveness and transparent communication to support GM’s expectations for JIT delivery.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and continually improve the plant’s Quality Management System in accordance with IATF and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Oversee internal audit programs, layered process audits (LPA), and compliance readiness for surveillance audits.
• Ensure documentation control, reaction plans, standardized work, and quality alerts are up to date and effectively deployed.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Quality Technician/Inspector teams.
• Build a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and quality ownership throughout the plant.
• Allocate resources to support production needs, launches, trials, and engineering changes.

Production & Process Quality

• Oversee in‑process inspection, testing, measurement systems (MSA), and control plan execution.
• Ensure robust PFMEA, control plans, and work instructions aligned with GM specifications and BIQS requirements.
• Lead Corrective Action Plans utilizing root cause methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA.
• Support manufacturing teams in minimizing scrap, rework, variation, and downtime through quality-led improvements.

Launch, Engineering Changes & Continuous Improvement

• Manage quality deliverables for new product launches, engineering changes, and process changes.
• Support APQP planning, including design reviews, prototype evaluations, and PPAP submissions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision-making.
• Implement improvement projects to enhance product quality, reduce PPM, and improve customer satisfaction.

Supplier Quality

• Oversee supplier quality performance, incoming inspection, and escalation to resolve material nonconformities.
• Support supplier audits, PPAP approvals, and corrective actions to ensure compliance and supply continuity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive quality experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and GM Customer Specific Requirements.
• Experience in JIT operations, high-volume manufacturing, and OEM interaction (GM experience strongly preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage customer issues, and drive systematic problem‑solving.
• Certifications such as CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or AIAG Core Tools training are a plus.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Data-driven decision-making
• Ability to work under tight JIT deadlines
• Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving capability
• High attention to detail and accountability