Head of Quality – Electric Bus

Head of Quality – Electric Bus (Electric Vehicle / e-Bus), Location- IndoreReports To- Plant DirectorJob PurposeLead and own the quality strategy, systems, and execution across the complete lifecycle of electric buses—from concept through production, assembly, integration, and after-sales service. Drive product and process quality improvements, ensure regulatory and safety compliance, and champion a quality-first culture to meet customer expectations, reduce defects, and optimize total cost of quality.Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Strategy and Governance- Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (where applicable), ISO 26262 (functional safety for EVs), ISO 21434 (cybersecurity for automotive), and other relevant standards.- Define quality objectives, KPIs, and dashboards. Establish annual quality plan with clear milestones for design, development, production, supply chain, and service.- Lead quality risk management (APQP/PPAP, FMEA, risk registers) for all programs, including new model launches and platform changes.- Drive continuous improvement programs (Six Sigma, Lean, TPM) and establish a robust problem-solving culture (8D, DMAIC).Design and Development Quality- Collaborate with Product, Systems, and Electrical/Mechanical Engineering to embed Quality by Design (QbD) into concept, design, and validation phases.- Establish design quality gates, design reviews, and verification/validation plans focusing on reliability, safety, endurance, battery management, thermal management, propulsion, and charging interfaces.- Oversee supplier quality during the development phase; ensure design data package completeness, DFMEA, DFM, and test protocols.Manufacturing and Process Quality- Create and maintain process quality standards for assembly lines (drivetrain, battery pack, composite structures, interior, electronics), robotics, and final vehicle inspection.- Lead process capability studies, control plans, work instruction governance, and defect taxonomy. Implement statistical process control (SPC) where appropriate.- Drive quality in new plant builds and line-side quality assurance, including SOPs, visual management, 5S, and error-proofing (Poka-yoke).Supplier and Parts Quality- Establish and manage supplier quality assurance (SQA) processes for battery cells, power electronics, motors, thermal systems, cabling, chassis, and body components.- Set supplier quality expectations, conduct audits, manage supplier corrective actions (SCARs), and ensure supply chain traceability and compliance.- Lead root-cause analysis for supplier defects and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).Safety, Compliance, and Reliability- Ensure compliance with automotive safety standards (ISO 26262), functional safety lifecycles, and homologation requirements.- Lead reliability programs (RBDs, MTBF analysis, field failure data) and develop durability strategies for EV-specific stressors (battery abuse, thermal cycling, vibration).- Own the quality aspects of safety-critical features and electronic control units (ECUs), interfaces, and cybersecurity considerations.Quality Analytics and Data Management- Build and manage a Quality Analytics platform with real-time data collection from manufacturing, testing, and field data.- Use data-driven approaches to identify trends, hotspots, and risk, and prioritize improvement projects.- Produce regular quality reports for executive leadership and cross-functional teams.Customer Experience and After-Sales Quality- Own post-delivery quality feedback loops, warranty analytics, and service part quality improvements.- Collaborate with After-Sales, Field Service, and Customer Support to reduce warranty costs and improve first-time-right repair rates.- Lead root cause investigations for field incidents and coordinate recall management if needed.People and Organization- Build, mentor, and lead the Quality organization (permanent and contractor staff) with a focus on capability development and succession planning.- Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous learning. Foster cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customer Support.QualificationsEducation- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Mechanical / Automotive Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.- Certifications in quality management (CQE, CQM, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) are a plus.Experience- 20+ years of experience in automotive/EV quality, with demonstrated leadership of quality programs across design, manufacturing, and service.- Experience with electric propulsion systems, battery packs, thermal management, power electronics, and charging infrastructure is highly desirable.- Proven track record in leading supplier quality for complex components and in managing multi-site quality operations.Technical Skills- Deep understanding of QMS standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949), automotive functional safety (ISO 26262), and automotive cybersecurity (ISO 21434) considerations.- Strong analytical skills: SPC, DOE, FMEA, root cause analysis (8D), CAPA, RCA.- Proficiency with quality software/tools (e.g., Minitab, Jira/Confluence, SAP/APO, Tableau/Power BI) and data analytics.- Familiarity with EV-specific testing (battery, BMS, EV charging standards, EMC/EMI, functional safety testing).Soft Skills- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.- Change management skills and ability to drive cross-functional alignment.- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Defect rate (internal and supplier) and First-Time Quality (FTQ)- Supplier quality performance (SQI, SCAR closure rate, on-time corrective actions)- Warranty cost per vehicle and field failure rate- MTBF/DRE (design and reliability metrics)- Audit pass rates and QMS compliance- On-time completion of quality gates and PPAP submissions- Quality-related cost of poor quality (COPQ) reductionNice-to-Haves- Experience with large-scale bus manufacturing or commercial vehicles- Knowledge of battery safety certifications (UN 38.3, IEC 62616) and fast-charging standards (CCS, CHAdeMO)- Experience with modular, scalable platforms for mass production EVs- Multilingual capabilities for global operationsHow to ApplyPlease forward your resume and a cover letter if desired detailing: -- Your experience leading quality for EVs or automotive programs- Key quality improvements you led (with quantified results)- Examples of supplier quality management and CAPA effectiveness- Your leadership approach and how you build quality cultureInterested, Revert with your updated CV on-