Quality Specialist

My client is looking for a Quality Specialist for their manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, who thrives on ensuring products meet both internal specifications and OEM requirements. You are experienced in managing out-of-control conditions, leading root cause analysis, and coordinating cross-functional teams to maintain product quality and operational excellence. You enjoy driving continuous improvement and are comfortable supporting a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Purpose of the Role:

• Ensure products manufactured comply with internal specifications and OEM requirements.
• React effectively to out-of-control conditions and segregate nonconforming parts.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to restore process control and achieve mean set points within control limits.
• Resolve product quality issues using root cause analysis tools and maintain high product standards.

• Ensure compliance with Automotive Industry quality standards, IATF 16949, and OEM-specific requirements (Q1, IQB).
• Verify and validate implemented improvements, change processes, and new product launches.
• Perform Layered Process Audits and support area audit findings through root cause identification and corrective actions.
• Enhance internal supplier performance to improve Work-In-Progress product quality.
• Attend daily area meetings and participate in the Fast Response Team to resolve defects.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans and participate in FMEA cross-functional teams.
• Supervise Product/Process Inspectors and provide support in decision-making on non-conforming products.
• Review and sign off on inspection records, providing feedback to inspectors.
• Archive and retrieve records per company retention policies.
• Monitor significant characteristics using statistical tools and data acquisition software.
• Conduct Measurement System Analysis on devices listed in the Control Plan.
• Attend daily scrap meetings, capture defects, identify failure modes, and drive defect reduction plans.
• Provide weekly summary reports to the QC Manager.
• Serve as area custodian for Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
• Conduct daily on-the-job observations for product and record compliance.
• Support resolution of customer complaints and manage lessons learned, quality alerts, and training initiatives.

• Comply with all legal HSE requirements and promote a positive safety culture.
• Ensure team members understand and abide by roles, OEM requirements, and HSE rules.
• Maintain discipline in the work environment and communicate team responsibilities clearly.

• Grade 12 Certificate with Mathematics and Science.
• Certificate in Quality Assurance;
  Diploma in Quality Assurance or Engineering (preferred).
• Yellow Belt Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in an OEM manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or Chemistry Industry preferred).
• Experience managing 1–2 direct reports.
• Good understanding of IATF 16949, Automotive core tools, and OEM-specific requirements.
• Proficient in statistical tools and indices.

• Proactive, action-oriented, and flexible.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organisational skills.
• Customer-focused and resilient under pressure.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Team player with strong relationship-building skills.