Head of Quality Assurance

Role OverviewPropel Industries, a leader in crushing and mining equipment, is seeking an experienced Head – Quality to drive the entire Quality function. This role spans Incoming Quality, In-Process Quality (including Welding & Painting QA), Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA), Electrical & Electronics QA, Customer Quality, and Project Quality Assurance (including erection & commissioning). The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to establish world-class systems that align with global benchmarks.Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Leadership & Strategy- Define and execute the company-wide Quality roadmap aligned with business goals.- Build and sustain robust Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO standards.- Create a culture of first-time-right, zero-defect across the organization.- Mentor, coach, and build a high-performing Quality team.Incoming Quality- Establish inspection/testing for raw materials, castings, forgings, weldments, fabricated structures, paints, electrical & electronic components.- Ensure supplier quality requirements, acceptance standards, and traceability.- Prevent defects from entering production through robust gatekeeping.In-Process Quality- Implement process audits, Poka-Yoke, SPC, MSA, and FMEA for robust controls.- Drive Welding QA – WPS, PQR, welder qualifications, weld inspections, NDT checks.- Drive Painting QA – paint material qualification, DFT checks, surface preparation, adhesion, corrosion protection tests.- Ensure QA of Electrical & Electronic items – cables, motors, sensors, control panels, PLCs, drives, and wiring harnesses.- Foster a First-Time-Right and defect prevention culture on shopfloor.Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)- Develop and qualify suppliers through audits and technical capability assessments.- Monitor supplier performance with scorecards and drive continuous improvement.- Ensure supplier adherence for welding consumables, paints, electrical & electronic parts.Customer Quality- Be the single point of accountability for all customer quality issues.- Drive swift resolution of complaints, warranty claims, and field failures.- Ensure RCA & CAPA effectiveness and integrate feedback into product improvements.- Act as the customer advocate for quality in all forums.Project Quality Assurance (Including Erection & Commissioning)- Define QA plans for new product launches, prototypes, and turnkey projects.- Ensure compliance to quality deliverables during manufacturing, erection, and commissioning at customer sites.- Establish protocols for installation checks, pre-commissioning tests, and performance validation.- Collaborate with Project, Service, Electrical, and Mechanical teams for smooth site execution and handover.- Maintain documentation, inspection records, and audit trails for project QA.Continuous Improvement & Compliance- Lead initiatives in Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen.- Ensure compliance with statutory, environmental, and safety standards.- Benchmark with global leaders in mining & crushing equipment and bring best practices.Key Skills & Competencies- Mastery in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D, RCA, CAPA, SPC, MSA.- Strong technical background in Welding QA, Painting QA, Electrical & Electronics QA.- Experience in heavy engineering, capital goods, mining & crushing equipment.- Leadership in cross-functional team development and stakeholder management.- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.Qualifications & Experience- B.E./B.Tech – Mechanical / Production / Metallurgy / Electrical.- 20+ years of Quality experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.- Proven background in crushing, mining equipment, or heavy engineering machinery.- Six Sigma / Quality Management certifications preferred.