Product Quality Manager

On behalf of our client, a renowned automotive manufacturer, we are currently recruiting a Product Quality Manager for their brand-new, state-of-the-art production facility in Dagenham.
Role overview
A key member of the leadership team with responsibility for leading and developing strategic product quality management, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction are maintained. You will coordinate with internal stakeholders and contribute all quality related activity across new product introduction, R&D and production readiness, ensuring a smooth handover into the manufacturing areas.
Additional Information
As part of this role, you will be required to interface with the Company’s ERP system (primarily Epicor) & champion the use of data capture, ensuring we have accurate management and financial reporting.
You will take responsibility for driving and utilising problem-solving techniques (PDCA, 5W/2H, 8D), creating a spirit of route cause analysis and lessons learned within operations and NPI.
This role requires someone with a clean full UK driving licence.
Reporting directly to the Operations Director.
Key Activities
Manage all quality-related issues within the manufacturing area
Identify root cause and instigate permanent corrective actions for product quality issues
Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve quality issues that arise as quickly and efficiently as possible to prevent compromising quality and safety standards
Ensure control plans and associated documentation are implemented effectively and maintained
Monitor and report on quality-related key performance indicators including scrap monitoring, rework levels, out of sequence product
Stop production in the event of manufacture of unacceptable goods/processes, work with the team to resolve quality related issues.
Ensure compliance and assist with adherence to the Quality Management system (ISO9001)
Write product test procedures
Assist with training of product quality awareness
Report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive improvement in product quality
Raise quality alerts and disseminate to production teams
Manage the out of sequence finished product to ensure swift closure of non-conformance
Liaise with the warranty team to use the warranty data to drive production improvements to stop any reoccurrence of customer issues
Assist with first off sample approvals
Participate in cross-functional teams in the development of new products or changes related to current products
Participate in the development and refinement of Design and Process FMEA’s (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
Participate in the production parts approval process (PPAP) to ensure consistency of part supply
Lead and conduct product quality audits, driving closure of non-conformance
Contribute and drive continuous improvement activities related to product quality
Own and drive route cause of non-conformance caused by line / area errors – eg mishandling of parts; route case (5W2H analysis)
Plan projects or subtasks so they may be tracked and presented
Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions
Provide guidance to team members across all functions when required
Support regular inspection meetings with representatives from appropriate departments to establish an action plan for improving build quality
Communicate efficiently throughout the shop floor and with own and customer’s management
Responsible for a small team of production operators who conduct the final inspection and sign off finished product.
Take accountability to ensure your area complies with Health, Safety and Environmental regulations, monitoring and implementing any changes required effectively, suggesting and engaging with improvements.
Essential Attributes
Organised, Conscientious & Motivated
Proactive in allocating and prioritising tasks and activities to ensure the completion of orders to satisfy customer demand, maximize productivity and ensuring daily production targets are achieved
Leadership
Able to lead positively, make decisions and encourage new ways of working to achieve a more efficient process or product area through lean or continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen workshops / 5 Why analysis etc)
Data Driven
Supports decision-making with data and information to identify route causes and take fast, effective responses.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Relevant business/or manufacturing/engineering degree preferred, or BTEC Diploma Level 4 or equivalent NVQ level 4 qualification
An understanding of ISO 9001
Exercise substantial initiative/judgement in work methods and interpreting goals
Work independently and is reviewed infrequently with minimal supervision
Knowledge of quality systems and measurement
Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
Understanding of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes
Assertive, resilient and welcomes change
Engages interest and participation of others and has a collaborative approach to working with others
Proactively contributes to the team
Shows moral courage, openness, and honesty in all dealings
Planning and prioritising activities
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Negotiation skills
Ability to present data effectively
Excellent problem-solving skills
Analytical skills
Understanding of cost and financial impacts
A ‘can do’ attitude willing to be hands on as needed
Product quality management auditing experience is required
A strong understanding and application of Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing skills is required
Experience of dealing with customers and suppliers is essential.
Other Requirements:
Willingness to travel as required to other company sites, customers, and suppliers, including some international travel if needed.
Desirable Key Skills & Experience
Green or Black belt qualified or other equivalent problem-solving / continuous improvement qualification
Membership of an industry related professional body would be preferred.
Experience working in a manufacturing SME environment undergoing a maturity and growth journey would be highly advantageous.
Experience in an automotive industry setting preferred.