General Manager - Quality Assurance Casting / Foundry / Automotive

Role & responsibilities

1. Quality Strategy & Planning-

• Define and implement the Quality Strategy aligned with business goals and customer expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Set quality KPIs and monitor performance against benchmarks.

2. Defect Analysis & Corrective Actions

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) of internal and customer-reported defects.
• Ensure implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) using 8D, DMAIC, or other tools.
• Review defect trends and introduce proactive measures to eliminate recurring issues.

3. Team Building & Training

• Develop an efficient team structure for the Quality department across all shifts.
• Mentor and train quality engineers, inspectors, and shop floor teams on defect identification, control plans, and inspection techniques.
• Build a culture of ownership, quality consciousness, and accountability within the team.

4. Process Control & Review Mechanisms

• Establish robust incoming, in-process, and final inspection procedures.
• Implement quality gates at critical stages of production.
• Conduct periodic quality reviews with cross-functional teams.

5. Rejection Control & First Time Right

• Drive initiatives to ensure reduction in internal and customer rejections.
• Monitor process capability (Cp, Cpk) and ensure adherence to specifications.
• Promote First Time Right approach across departments including melting, molding, and machining.

6. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain QMS documentation, SOPs, and calibration records.
• Coordinate with third-party inspectors, customers, and certification agencies.

7. Customer Communication & Support

• Act as the key quality contact for customer audits, complaints, and visits.
• Provide timely and effective resolution to quality-related customer concerns.

8. Technology & Systems

• Implement quality management systems (ERP/MES/QMS).
• Leverage data analytics for decision-making and quality improvement.

Desired Profile

Experience: 15+ years of experience in Quality Assurance in a casting foundry (SG Iron, CI, or Aluminum); minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.