Plant Quality Manager

We are a leading global automotive supplier and a major industrial player, operating a large-scale manufacturing network across multiple countries. As a major company in the automotive sector, we develop and produce high-value systems for OEM customers worldwide, combining industrial excellence, innovation, and operational reliability in demanding JIT/JIS environments.

Plant Quality Manager

For our automotive manufacturing plant operating in a Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS) environment, we are seeking an experienced Plant Quality Manager to sustainably lead and further mature the Quality function.

This is a line-critical leadership role with full accountability for zero-defect performance, customer line protection, and the overall quality strategy of the plant. The role requires a resilient, hands‑on leader capable of driving discipline, transparency, and structured problem solving in a demanding production environment.

Mission & Responsibilities

• Ensure zero‑defect, zero‑disruption performance in a JIT/JIS environment, safeguarding customer assembly lines through robust escalation and crisis management.
• Define and deploy the plant quality strategy , aligned with regional and corporate objectives.
• Lead, structure and develop the plant Quality organization, strengthening accountability, engagement, and performance standards.
• Full ownership of plant Quality KPIs (PPM, scrap, rework, COPQ, audit performance, customer scorecards), ensuring transparency at shop‑floor and management level.
• Ensure full compliance with IATF 16949, VDA standards, and OEM customer‑specific requirements .
• Lead APQP / PPAP, industrial launches and change management activities.
• Drive structured problem solving (8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa) with strong focus on systemic root causes and recurrence prevention.
• Manage customer quality topics including audits, escalations, and performance reviews.
• Lead Supplier Quality Management , including supplier audits (VDA 6.3), escalation management, supplier development, and stable incoming quality performance.
• Manage the plant quality budget, including investments in inspection and testing equipment, laboratory capabilities, and quality resource planning.
• Deploy and sustain robust visual quality management (Andon, KPI boards, Pareto tracking, LPA, Poka Yoke, variant identification).

Profile

• Degree in Engineering (Automotive, Mechanical, Industrial, Quality or equivalent).
• 7+ years of Automotive Quality experience in a Tier 1 manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility.
• Proven experience in JIT / JIS operations with OEM customers.
• Strong expertise in IATF 16949, VDA 6.3 and OEM customer‑specific requirements.
• Hands‑on, structured, resilient, and comfortable in high‑pressure, line‑critical environments.
• Certification: IATF 16949 Internal / Lead Auditor, VDA 6.3.
• Fluent in German and English.