Director, Quality
Indexed description
This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective plant-level execution, ensuring alignment with Lean manufacturing principles and business objectives. The Director partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and cross-functional leaders and drive a proactive quality culture.
Primary Duties
- Lead all quality performance for the Business Unit, with accountability for key metrics including External and Internal Defects per unit, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and overall customer quality performance
- Provide leadership and direction to site Quality Managers and teams, Partnering with Site Leaders ensuring consistency and accountability across all locations
- Partner with Operations leadership to embed quality into daily production processes and drive defect prevention
- Lead response to customer complaints, escalations, and warranty issues, ensuring timely resolution and prevention of recurrence
- Drive disciplined problem-solving using root cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3) to eliminate systemic issues
- Ensure effective execution of enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) standards at the plant level, including audits, document control, and CAPA processes
- Partner with the Director of Quality Systems to implement system improvements and provide feedback on effectiveness and usability
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality to improve incoming material quality and supplier performance
- Monitor and analyze quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities across the Business Unit
- Build and develop high-performing quality teams, strengthening capabilities in problem-solving, data analysis, and Lean quality practices
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-focused quality
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing quality leadership
- 5+ years of experience leading quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization.
- Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferred
- Proven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor.
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to quality
- Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Strong business acumen with the ability to connect quality performance to operational and financial outcomes
- Dynamic, driven and can-do mindset
- Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively from shop floor employees to executive leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results across geographically dispersed teams
- Capability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountability
- Ability to travel between manufacturing sites as required
- Ability to work in and navigate production floor environments, including standing, walking, and exposure to typical manufacturing conditions
- This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environments
- Regular exposure to production facilities, including shop floor conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
- Requires adherence to all safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in manufacturing areas
- Travel to company locations and is expected up to 60% of the time, with occasional travel to suppliers or customers as needed.
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