Quality Manager (GC2)
US Gestamp Chattanooga II, US, US Gestamp
Quality Manager
With presence in more than 20 countries, Gestamp is a leading international group specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of metal automotive components. Our commitment to innovation drives us to create safer, lighter vehicles while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Job Summary
The Quality manager will be responsible for leader the manufacturing quality initiatives and standards across the facility. This position will be customer facing to address and resolve all product quality issues and driving the performance of the quality management team in the plant. The manager will drive a KPI focused environment, change management, and leadership and development of the quality team. The Quality Manager leads, directs and mentors the facility quality team which includes Quality Engineers, Technicians, and the Metrology and Metallurgy laboratory.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Represent customer requirements and ensure capable, controlled processes that meet quality and business objectives
- Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Lead quality, cost of quality, warranty, and supplier performance improvement efforts
- Support site targets for Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, including customer scorecards and OEM audits
- Lead problem solving, corrective actions, and customer escalations with defined action plans and closure
- Drive APQP activities for new launches, engineering changes, and process improvements
- Maintain product safety management processes throughout the value chain
- Coach teams in the use of quality tools and statistical methods (SPC, FTT, RPN, process capability)
- Reduce cost of poor quality through disciplined action planning
- Lead operating reviews using audit data, KPIs, and customer feedback
- Ensure effective deviation and change management, including approvals, traceability, and closure
- Lead supplier quality activities including PPAPs, non‑conformance containment, corrective actions, and cost recovery
- Oversee supplier launches, annual PPAP submissions, and ongoing performance reviews
- Develop and deliver quality-related training and lead certification efforts (IATF, ISO, TS)
- Coach and manage quality team members in alignment with HR policies
- Travel to customer and supplier sites as needed
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering preferred
- 10+ years of automotive manufacturing quality experience, including Tier 1 suppliers
- 3–5 years of plant quality leadership experience
- Proven success driving KPIs, continuous improvement, and change management
- Experience maintaining quality certifications (IATF, ISO, Q1)
- Familiarity with OEM quality requirements (VW and Mercedes preferred)
- ASQ (CQE/CQM) and Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certifications preferred
- Experience in stamping, welding, and paint manufacturing strongly preferred