Quality Manager – Automotive

Location: Defiance, OH |
Schedule: full-time, on-site (up to 20% on manufacturing floor) |
Compensation: not specified

A fast-paced, established, stable manufacturer with a diverse business mix is seeking a proven Quality Manager with automotive and IATF background to join their management team and lead a team of quality professionals. This role offers immediate impact on plant operations and the opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing quality staff.

• Provide daily leadership for the plant's quality function by building, mentoring, and directing a high-performance team
• Maintain and control quality management processes to ensure compliance with customer standards, acting as the primary company lead for IATF 16949 regulatory bodies and internal auditing programs
• Urgently address customer complaints and quality issues using structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5-Why) to implement robust corrective actions
• Lead and/or support the APQP process, including development and continuous improvement of PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, PPAPs, and audit plans
• Deploy continuous training in Lean statistical disciplines to empower staff in problem-solving while supporting site-wide continuous improvement (CI) projects
• Establish KPI reporting, lead executive quality reviews, and collaborate with senior leadership to align quality strategies with broader business objectives
• Perform other duties as directed by management

• Minimum of a high school diploma
• Experience overseeing quality in automotive supplier environments
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, including certifications and audits
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Formal problem solving skills
• Experience with customer communication related to quality issues and status
• Ability to read blueprints
• Excellent math skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills
• Strong technical ability, problem solving abilities, and written/verbal communication skills at all levels
• Willingness to be detail and process oriented, perform hands-on quality functions, and give quality presentations
• Willingness to be on the manufacturing floor up to 20% of the time

• Post-secondary technical education highly preferred
• IATF Certified Internal Auditor preferred
• Quality certification preferred
• Direct supervision of others preferred

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits available day one of employment
• Bonus potential
• HSA contribution
• Paid holidays
• PTO
• 401K match

This organization offers a predictable schedule with no overnight travel and no weekend work, a business-casual environment, excellent tenure among salaried staff, and the chance to make an immediate, tangible impact on plant operations.