Quality Manager - Machining

Job Description: Plant Quality Head Job Title Plant Quality Head Department Business Excellence /Quality Reports To Corporate Quality Head Job Summary The Plant Quality Head is responsible for developing, implementing, and driving the overall quality strategy for the manufacturing plant. The role ensures that products consistently meet customer requirements through robust supplier quality management, process quality control, new product introduction (NPI), product quality assurance, and customer quality management. The incumbent will lead the Quality function by establishing a culture of quality excellence, driving continuous improvement, reducing the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and international quality standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Supplier Quality Management Develop and implement supplier quality strategies to ensure incoming materials and components consistently meet quality requirements. Establish supplier qualification, approval, and periodic evaluation processes. Lead supplier audits and supplier development initiatives. Monitor supplier quality performance using KPIs such as PPM, on-time corrective actions, and rejection rates. Drive Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR) and verify implementation effectiveness. Collaborate with Procurement and Engineering for supplier selection, qualification, and continuous improvement. Reduce supplier-related quality issues through preventive quality planning and supplier capability enhancement. 2. Process Quality Establish robust process quality controls throughout manufacturing operations. Develop Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, inspection standards, and process validation requirements. Ensure Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability (Cp/Cpk) are effectively implemented. Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Analysis, and DOE where applicable. Monitor and improve First Pass Yield (FPY), process capability, defect rates, scrap, and rework. Ensure calibration systems and measurement equipment comply with quality requirements. Promote error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and mistake prevention across manufacturing processes. 3. New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead all quality activities during New Product Introduction from prototype through production launch. Participate in design reviews and manufacturability assessments. Ensure completion of APQP deliverables where applicable. Approve PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Validation, and inspection methods before production release. Review and approve First Article Inspection (FAI) reports. Coordinate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions where required. Ensure smooth transition from development to mass production while achieving quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Identify and mitigate quality risks during product industrialization. 4. Product Quality Ensure all manufactured products conform to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. Oversee incoming, in-process, final inspection, and outgoing quality assurance activities. Develop quality plans for critical characteristics and special processes. Monitor product quality performance through data analysis and trend monitoring. Drive defect reduction initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Reduce internal rejection, scrap, rework, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). Ensure robust traceability and product identification systems. 5. Customer Quality Serve as the primary quality interface with customers. Manage customer complaints and ensure timely closure using structured problem-solving methodologies. Lead customer audits and ensure successful audit outcomes. Track customer quality metrics including Customer PPM, warranty claims, and complaint resolution. Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurring issues. Improve customer satisfaction through proactive quality improvement initiatives. Support business development by demonstrating strong quality systems and customer confidence. Quality Management System (QMS) .