Manager – Quality Assurance (Systems)

Position Overview :

The Manager – Quality Assurance (Systems) will be responsible for the implementation, compliance, and sustenance of IATF 16949-quality management system across the organization. This individual will drive cross-functional engagement, act as a catalyst for quality mindset transformation, and ensure that the quality management system (QMS) is deeply embedded into the organizational culture and processes.

In addition, the manager will lead customer audits, ensure compliance to internal and external standards, and oversee the overall governance of quality systems across the organization.

Responsibilities :

1. IATF 16949 Implementation & Sustenance

•           Lead the implementation of IATF 16949 standards across all departments.

•           Establish and maintain Quality Management System documentation including Quality Manual, procedures, formats, work instructions, etc.

•           Drive process ownership and guide cross-functional teams to implement and sustain standard requirements.

             •           Ensure process standardization and risk-based thinking as per IATF framework.

•           Conduct internal gap assessments and define the roadmap for certification/recertification.

•           Monitor KPI alignment with QMS objectives and drive continual improvement culture.

2. Quality Systems & Documentation

•           Ensure development, control, and maintenance of QMS documentation and records.

             •           Implement document control system in line with IATF requirements.

•           Define and monitor control of non-conforming product, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and management of change.

             •           Lead Management Review Meetings and reporting of QMS performance.

•           Promote internal audit planning, execution, reporting, and closure of NCs across departments.

3. Audits Management

             •           Act as Management Representative (MR) or Audit Coordinator for:

             •           Third-party audits (IATF, ISO 9001, etc.)

             •           Customer audits

             •           Internal system audits

             •           Prepare the organization and all departments for customer and external audits.

•           Coordinate closure of NCs, observations, and opportunities for improvement (OFIs) raised during audits.

•           Maintain a robust audit tracking mechanism with follow-up and escalation procedures.

4. Cross-functional Engagement & Training

•           Facilitate training and awareness programs on IATF 16949 and other relevant quality topics.

•           Build quality mindset across all levels through interactive sessions, dashboards, and visuals.

             •           Act as a mentor to process owners and enable ownership-driven quality culture.

             •           Organize supplier and customer quality interface as required.

5. Continuous Improvement

•           Identify opportunities for process improvement and waste elimination in line with QMS principles.

•           Drive initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, PFMEA updates, Layered Process Audits, etc.

             •           Monitor and improve customer satisfaction indices related to quality

Desired Candidate Profile:

Qualifications:

             •           Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Production / Industrial preferred)

             •           Certified Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor for IATF 16949 (mandatory)

             •           Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 will be an added advantage.

Experience:

•           8 to 12 years of relevant experience in Quality Systems Management in automotive / engineering manufacturing.

             •           Proven track record of IATF 16949 implementation and customer audit handling.

             •           Exposure to Tier 1 or OEM customer requirements will be preferred.

Key Competencies:

•           Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 clauses, core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).

             •           Excellent documentation and system thinking ability.

             •           Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams.

             •           Proactive approach towards problem-solving and continual improvement.

             •           Strong communication and presentation skills.

             •           Leadership ability to drive culture change and system compliance.