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.