Job Description

Director of Quality - Manufacturing
Portland, TN

Position Overview
A leading automotive manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Director of Quality - Manufacturing. Reporting directly to the VP of Manufacturing, this individual will oversee quality operations and drive the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS). Focusing strictly on production quality execution rather than launch, this leader will establish strategic quality initiatives, serve as the primary customer contact for production quality concerns, monitor plant metrics, and provide indirect management and direction to manufacturing plant quality teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the ongoing development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Establish and execute an annual quality strategic plan targeting year-over-year improvements in key plant performance metrics.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for production quality matters, representing the organization to investigate and resolve issues.
• Assist and support manufacturing plant quality teams with the investigation and resolution of internal and external quality concerns.
• Monitor, report, and drive improvement across all key manufacturing quality performance metrics.
• Provide indirect management to plant quality teams and oversee ongoing APQP task tracking and documentation (utilizing ShopEdge).
• Support internal, external, and customer audits under IATF 16949 standards.
• Continually evaluate and refine department processes for adherence, design efficiency, and effectiveness while promoting a hands-on "Go-See" approach across manufacturing facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metrology, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering (or equivalent relevant quality experience).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supervisory or management roles.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in automotive manufacturing.
• 5 to 10 years of cumulative experience in Quality functions.
• Master-level understanding of Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, MSA, FMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, In-Process Inspection).
• Master-level knowledge of GD&T, SPC, Gage R&R, and gage utilization.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with a hands-on, shop-floor orientation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Experience with software tools including ShopEdge, QCBD, Minitab, and customer portals.
• Working knowledge and formal training in IATF 16949 fundamentals.

Disclaimer: By submitting your application for this position, you are agreeing to receive communication from Cannon Jeffries Search Group, which may include calls, texts, and emails. You have the option to unsubscribe from email communications or remove yourself from SMS messaging by replying “STOP” at any time.