Plant Quality Lead

Reports To: Plant Manager / Quality Director

Position Summary

The Plant Quality Lead is responsible for overseeing all quality activities within the manufacturing facility while leading and developing the Quality Engineering team. This role ensures compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949 standards, and internal quality objectives. The position works cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, and other departments to drive continuous improvement, prevent defects, resolve customer concerns, and improve overall plant quality performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the plant Quality Engineering team.
• Establish team priorities, assign responsibilities, and hold team members accountable for performance and results.
• Oversee daily quality activities and ensure manufacturing processes meet customer and internal requirements.
• Maintain and improve the plant Quality Management System in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead resolution of customer complaints, corrective actions, and 8D responses.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurring quality issues.
• Oversee APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA activities.
• Monitor quality metrics, including customer PPM, scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to drive process improvements and reduce defects.
• Communicate quality performance, concerns, and improvement initiatives to plant leadership.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of quality experience in an automotive manufacturing or supplier environment.
• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory or direct people-management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing Quality Engineers.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive customer requirements.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and 8D.
• Experience managing customer quality issues, audits, and corrective actions.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Key Leadership Expectations

• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and develop a team of Quality Engineers.
• Strong supervisory skills with the ability to set expectations and address performance issues.
• Hands-on leadership approach with a strong presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience is required. This role is responsible for leading the Quality Engineering team and driving overall plant quality performance.