Quality Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management System & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) as it relates to the paint process, ensuring compliance with standards like ISO 9001 and/or IATF for automotive).
• Establish, document, and manage all quality control procedures, work instructions, inspection standards, and testing protocols for all coating processes (e.g., pre-treatment, electrocoat, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, powder coating).
• Plan and conduct regular internal audits of the paint process to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external quality audits and customer audits related to the paint shop.

2. Quality Control and Inspection

• Oversee the inspection and testing of incoming materials (e.g., paint, chemicals, solvents) and finished products.
• Establish and monitor quality metrics specific to finishes, including color matching, gloss, DOI (Distinctness of Image), adhesion, film build (DFT), corrosion resistance, and surface defect levels.
• Lead the Quality Control (QC) team, including inspectors and technicians, providing guidance and technical expertise.
• Ensure the correct use and calibration of quality testing equipment (e.g., gloss meters, colorimeters, DFT gauges, adhesion testers, scratch test equipment).

3. Process Control and Continuous Improvement

• Conduct regular process audits (e.g., VDA 6.3) to monitor process parameters, identify variations, and ensure stability.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) for internal and external quality issues (e.g., customer complaints, internal defects like dirt, sags, runs, or texture issues).
• Utilize quality tools and methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, and FMEA to drive systematic process improvements.
• Track, analyze, and report on key quality performance indicators (KPIs) like First Pass Yield (FPY), Rework Rate, Scrap Rate, and Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ).
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to optimize equipment, raw materials, and process settings for consistent high quality.

4. Team Leadership and Development

• Hire, train, mentor, and manage the paint shop Quality team.
• Develop and deliver training programs for all paint shop personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and best practices in paint application and surface preparation.
• Foster a culture of "Quality-First" and continuous improvement throughout the department.

5. Customer and Supplier Interface

• Manage and investigate all customer complaints related to paint quality, ensuring timely and effective resolution using 8D methodology or similar structured problem-solving.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality on incoming paint and material quality issues.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Paint Technology, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Quality Assurance/Control, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a high-volume manufacturing paint shop (e.g., automotive, appliance, general industrial coating).
• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of various paint systems (e.g., liquid, powder, e-coat) and application processes.
• Standards Knowledge: In-depth understanding of quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar industry-specific standards).
• Tools: Proficiency in quality analysis and problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Statistical Process Control - SPC).
• Skills: Excellent analytical, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.