Director of Advanced Quality

Director of Advanced Quality

Job Description:
The Director of Advanced Quality, reporting to the Regional Director of Quality (US Region), working in collaboration with our Suppliers, Gestamp manufacturing plants, and Customers, is responsible for the successful launch of projects by using Gestamp procedures/systems to fulfill all quality milestones from initial quality concept to final approved PPAP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead team in Advanced Product Quality Planning activities such as overall quality concept, risk reduction through PFMEA cross-functional activities, Pre-Production Control Plans and Safe Launch planning.
Interact with the Customer on overall quality strategy, Customer quality expectations, and ability to satisfy the requirements, negotiate GD&T, check fixture design reviews, documentation reviews, pre-buy off/buy off activities, and PPAP activities.
Strong knowledge of Customer requirements, specifications, and systems to be able to provide technical and administrative support to the project.
Achieve completed, comprehensive checking fixtures from start to finish through the concept phase, RFQs, design reviews, construction reviews, buyoffs, and passing gauge R&Rs.
Document and communicate Gestamp quality expectations for the project to our Suppliers.
Lead KPI evaluation of pre-production parts/ assemblies, driving quality improvements through documented quality loops to achieve a satisfactory buyoff of tooling/equipment.
Identify the root cause of problems and delays and expedite corrective action.
Ensure proper staffing for the Project and associates with proper skill levels.
Use Gestamp procedures/ systems to manage project quality well.
Ensure the team is prepared for any audits related to the project as needed.
Lead team in tools such as GPCS used to measure project quality.
Quote potential new projects from the overall quality concept and check fixture costs, equipment costs, proper staffing, and Customer quality expectations able to be met.
Complete successful project launch through strong handoff to Plant, support during launch, achieve fully approved PPAP status, cash-in, managing engineering changes and completion of open issues.
Perform all other-directed responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience
1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, technical degree preferred
2. Minimum 5 years of quality engineering management experience, preferably in an automotive supplier manufacturing environment.
3. Bi-lingual (Spanish or German) is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of GD&T and SPC;
Knowledge of quality tools/techniques (APQP, PPAP, IATF, Problem Solving);
Ability to work in a team-based lean manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of IATF16949 Quality Management Systems. ISO9000 is also a good plus.
Certification by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), or Certified Quality Manager (CQMgr) is preferred.
Knowledge of manufacturing and quality practices and a hands-on approach.
Experience with quality improvement tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis).
Demonstrate leadership, project management, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
Must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.