Job Details

Overview

Quality Manager position at JTEKT North America Corporation. Location: Piedmont, SC. Reports to Plant Manager. Level 108.

Summary/Purpose

Responsible for ensuring that all products meet customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain a robust quality management system, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate with all departments to enhance product quality and process efficiency.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the companys Quality Management System in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001/45001 and other applicable industry standards.
• Oversee all quality control and quality assurance activities, including inspections, audits, and testing to ensure product compliance.
• Establish and monitor quality KPIs, analyze trends, and drive corrective and preventative actions to enhance product quality.
• Lead and manage the internal audit process, supplier quality evaluations and customer audits.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.
• Manage and oversee the non-conformance process, including investigations, documentation, and corrective action implementation.
• Work with suppliers to improve incoming material quality and resolve supplier-related quality issues.
• Maintain and manage PPAP documentation, FMEA and control plans.
• Oversee and manage the calibration of measurement tools and equipment to ensure accuracy in quality inspections.
• Train and educate associates with quality procedures, standards, and best practices to build a culture of quality throughout the organization.
• Handle customer complaints and warranty claims, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has management responsibilities for all quality associates in the quality department.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP, and SPC (statistical process control).
• Experience with 8D problem-solving, 5 Why analysis, other root cause analysis methodologies, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA and Gauge R&R.
• Hands-on experience with inspection and testing equipment.
• Budget preparation and control experience; excellent organizational skills that promote efficiency and leadership.
• Strong leadership, communication (written and verbal) and problem-solving skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and drive quality improvements at all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in MS Office applications; quality management software is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in quality management, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality management role, preferably in the automotive/manufacturing industry.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work shift as assigned and overtime may be required.
• Standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motions, grasping, and fine finger dexterity throughout the shift.
• May be required to lift up to 40 lbs during shift.
• Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to manufacturing areas requiring PPE such as steel-toed shoes and safety glasses with side shields.