Head Quality Assurance

Role & responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Quality Management

• Lead and manage the entire QA function, encompassing In-process Quality, Incoming Inspection, Supplier Quality, Customer Quality, Calibration, and QMS Documentation.
• Define and implement long-term quality strategies aligned with company goals and global best practices.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives focused on Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.

Operational Quality Assurance

• Ensure assembly and manufacturing processes meet defined product quality standards.
• Conduct product and process audits to identify quality gaps and lead improvement projects to resolve them.
• Implement and monitor KPIs for quality metrics and drive performance against targets.

Supplier Quality Management

• Evaluate and develop supplier capabilities for critical components, including New Product Development and Alternate Sourcing.
• Lead First Article Inspections (FAI) and ensure supplier adherence to APQP, PPAP requirements.
• Manage supplier quality issue resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (8D, FMEA, FTA).

Customer Quality Management

• Act as the primary quality interface with key customers, ensuring satisfaction and swift resolution of quality issues.
• Drive customer audits, coordinate action plans, and monitor implementation effectiveness.

Quality Systems and Compliance

• Maintain and enhance compliance with QMS/EHS standards and certifications (ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, VDA 6.3).
• Ensure all QMS documentation is up to date and audit-ready.
• Own quality preparedness for Customer, Certification, and Regulatory Audits.

People Development and Team Management

• Identify skill gaps and execute training programs focused on technical, analytical, and soft skill development.
• Foster a high-performance culture of ownership, accountability, and quality consciousness.

New Product Development Support

• Conduct Feasibility Reviews for critical parts in new products and new supplier development.
• Coordinate with design, manufacturing, and procurement for effective development and validation of parts and processes.

Key Competencies and Tools

• Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, 7 QC Tools, FMEA, FTA, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP, 8D, DOE
• Strong understanding of IPC-A-610, IPC-620 standards
• Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
• Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Evaluation, and Cost Analysis
• Excellent Communication, Leadership, and Stakeholder Management
• Strong documentation and compliance orientation

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in Quality Management, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Experience in Heavy Equipment Manufacturing / Automotive / Industrial OEMs is mandatory
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex quality initiatives

Preferred candidate profile

• 20+ Years of experience in manufacturing; 10+ Years in leadership position
• Strategic Quality Leadership
• End to End Quality Process
• Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance
• Six Sigma