QA Manager

Job Description: QA Manager - Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturing

Department: Quality Assurance

Location : Patancheru

Age: Years

Gender: Male/Female

Reports To: Operational Head/Managing Director

Location: Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India

Job Overview

The QA Manager will be responsible for establishing and leading the Quality Assurance Department in a hydraulic cylinder manufacturing plant. The role focuses on ensuring product quality, supplier quality, and system compliance through the implementation of IATF 16949 standards. The QA Manager will also drive cost reduction through quality improvement, ensure customer satisfaction, and achieve certification within targeted timelines.

Role Objective

To build the Quality Assurance function from the ground up, implement and sustain a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with IATF 16949, and lead the organization to successful certification. The role also focuses on establishing inspection systems, supplier development, process control, defect prevention, and continual improvement.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Department Setup & Leadership

• Establish an agile, young, new QA department structure, roles, and resource allocation.
• Define and implement quality policy, objectives, and organization manual.
• Prepare annual QA budget and control departmental expenses.
• Set up inspection facilities, gauges, testing equipment, and calibration systems.

Quality Systems & IATF Implementation

• Conduct gap analysis between current legacy old systems and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Prepare QMS documentation Quality Manual, Procedures, Work Instructions, and Forms.
• Implement APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA processes in collaboration with design and production.
• Plan and execute internal audits, management reviews, and ensure NC closures.

Product, Process & Final Quality

• Develop and monitor incoming, in-process, and final inspection standards.
• Ensure process capability and control in machining, assembly, testing, special coatings and painting operations.
• Reduce in-house rejections, rework, and warranty costs through root cause analysis and CAPA.
• Maintain records of product traceability and conformity.

Supplier Quality & Development

• Approve suppliers through audits and capability assessments.
• Monitor supplier performance using PPM and delivery quality metrics.
• Lead supplier development programs and ensure compliance with IATF requirements.
• Implement incoming inspection, rejection analysis, and supplier CAPA.

Testing, Calibration & Metrology

• Set up testing and measurement facilities for hydraulic cylinder validation.
• Ensure calibration of gauges and instruments as per schedule.
• Maintain calibration records and traceability to national standards.

Customer Quality & Complaint Handling

• Interface with customers for audits, PPAP approvals, and warranty claim resolution.
• Prepare and submit 8D and 5-Why reports for customer complaints.
• Ensure improvement projects based on customer feedback.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Drive zero-defect initiatives, Kaizen, 5S, and Poka-Yoke implementation.
• Analyze quality cost (COPQ) and implement reduction strategies.
• Promote quality culture through awareness and motivation programs.

Training & Development

• Train QA staff, operators, and engineers on IATF tools and quality methods.
• Conduct internal auditor training and awareness programs.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration for problem-solving.

Department Interfaces

• Production – Process control, in-process inspection, and line audits.
• Purchase – Supplier evaluation, incoming quality, and CAPA follow-ups.
• Design – DFMEA, drawing reviews, and validation support.
• Maintenance – Calibration, equipment condition monitoring.
• Stores – Material identification, traceability, and FIFO control.
• Dispatch – Final inspection and customer quality documentation.

Competencies & Behavioral Traits – Should Have

• Practical, hands-on approach with strong shop-floor presence
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making
• Effective communication and leadership across teams
• Strong problem-solving mindset with root-cause focus
• Commitment to quality, discipline, and continual improvement
• Ability to build trust and accountability within the organization

Growth & Accountability

The QA Manager will serve as the Management Representative (MR) for the IATF 16949 system and will be accountable for planning, hands on writing/formulating, implementing and getting certified & maintaining certification and driving continual improvement. Successful implementation and stabilization of the QMS will be the goal as a Quality Head that will lead to future roles as Divisional head of QA.

Emoluments: Not a constraint for the deserving who can in an agreed time frame set up and deliver results with KRAs and KPIs under the budget and goals for the Cylinder Division with transformation from an old legacy culture to a date driven results culture and accountability.