Head of Quality Assurance

Job Title: Head – Quality

Location:

Industry:

Eligibility:

Language Requirement:

About the Role

The Head of Quality will lead the entire quality function for the plant, ensuring adherence to Japanese quality standards, global automotive requirements, and a zero-defect mindset. The role requires deep understanding of Japanese quality systems and strong collaboration with Japanese auditors, technical teams, and global leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the end-to-end Quality function across the plant: Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Supplier Quality, Customer Quality, and Quality Systems.
• Develop and implement quality strategy aligned with Japanese manufacturing philosophy and global quality expectations.
• Build and sustain a robust quality culture focused on defect prevention, process discipline, and continuous improvement.

Quality Assurance & Process Control

• Oversee quality throughout the production lifecycle—from incoming inspection to in-process and final inspection.
• Ensure strict compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Establish strong quality gates and reduce defects through root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Customer Quality Management

• Act as the primary interface for customer quality concerns, audits, and visits.
• Lead structured problem-solving using 8D, PDCA, RCA, FMEA, and other Japanese quality tools.
• Work towards achieving zero customer complaints and high customer satisfaction.

Supplier Quality Management

• Lead supplier audits, approvals, and ongoing performance reviews.
• Drive supplier development initiatives to improve incoming quality.
• Coordinate with Japanese suppliers and global partners for alignment with OEM expectations.

Japanese Coordination & Reporting

• Collaborate closely with Japanese technical teams, auditors, and management.
• Translate and present quality reports, issues, and improvement plans as required.
• Ensure alignment of Indian plant quality systems with Japanese HQ standards.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Own all quality documentation, SOP creation, and audit readiness.
• Lead internal audits, external certification audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvements through Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Standardized Work, and TPS-based quality practices.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and mentor a large quality team including managers, engineers, and inspectors.
• Build capability in Japanese quality tools, problem-solving techniques, and process adherence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and quality-first mindset.

Key Requirements

Eligibility

• Only Japanese Nationals Can Apply

• Native-level Japanese language; English ability preferred.

Education

• B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, or related engineering field.
• Certifications in quality systems (Six Sigma, TPS, IATF, etc.) preferred.

Experience

• 15–22 years of automotive quality experience

  at an OEM or Tier-1.
• Must have strong exposure to Japanese quality systems, audits, and global automotive standards.
• Experience working internationally (India or Asia) is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of TPS, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Quality Circles, and Japanese problem-solving methods.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-cultural management skills.
• Ability to work in a demanding environment while driving system-level improvements.
• Expertise in 8D, FMEA, RCA, APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality tools.