At least 8 years
Job Title: Quality Manager
Job Description
The Quality Manager leads the overall quality function for a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment, serving as the primary contact for all customer quality interactions. This role drives problem-solving initiatives, embeds quality throughout the product lifecycle, and manages a team of quality professionals to ensure robust quality systems, compliance with industry standards, and a strong culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary quality contact and liaison for all customer interactions, managing escalations, addressing concerns, and maintaining clear, professional communication.
- Lead structured problem-solving efforts using methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, or Lean to identify root causes of quality issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Manage, mentor, and train the quality team, including Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors, as well as broader production teams, on quality standards, procedures, and the use of quality control methods.
- Ensure quality is integrated throughout the entire product lifecycle, from Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) through final product audits and warranty issue resolution.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by utilizing tools such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), structured improvement events, and Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce defects, minimize scrap and rework, and improve overall efficiency.
- Coordinate and support customer audits and visits by ensuring that all necessary documentation, records, and procedures are prepared, accurate, and audit-ready.
- Ensure compliance with IATF standards and maintain a robust quality management system that supports automotive manufacturing requirements.
- Oversee and support supplier quality activities, including audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action follow-up, to ensure consistent incoming quality.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams to address quality concerns, improve processes, and support new product introductions.
- Develop, track, and report key quality metrics and performance indicators to internal leadership and customers, using data to drive decisions and prioritize improvement initiatives.
- Lead and support organizational change initiatives related to quality, including implementation of new systems, processes, and tools during periods of business transformation.
- Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Quality preferred), Manufacturing, or a related field.
- A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in quality within the industrial manufacturing sector.
- At least 4 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role within a quality function.
- Quality engineering background supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Experience in automotive parts and components manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience with core automotive quality tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.
- Proven experience in customer interfacing for quality-related topics, including escalations and audits.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of 5 or more engineers and quality professionals.
- Strong experience with quality management systems, including IATF standards, audits, and compliance.
- Proficiency in developing and implementing corrective action plans and CAPA processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present data and complex information clearly to customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.
- Proven track record of improving quality culture and implementing new systems and processes during periods of business transformation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field is a plus.
- Experience applying Six Sigma, Lean, or similar structured problem-solving methodologies.
- background in supplier quality management, including supplier audits and performance improvement.
- Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and other data-driven quality tools.
- Familiarity with automotive industry standards and customer-specific requirements.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Work Environment
The role is based at a manufacturing facility with approximately 75 employees located in Northvale, NJ. The Quality Manager leads a quality team that includes 5 direct reports, such as Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors, within a high-volume automotive parts and components environment. The organization designs and builds products to customer specifications and operates in a fast-paced setting focused on advanced electrical vehicle components and diversified product lines. The work environment emphasizes collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality functions, with significant interaction with customers and suppliers. The facility supports continuous improvement and uses modern quality and manufacturing tools, providing opportunities for professional growth and involvement in ongoing site transformation and expansion.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Northvale, NJ.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $175000.00/yr.
Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, holiday
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Northvale,NJ.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006102310
