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.