Position Summary:

- The Head - Quality is responsible for leading and managing the entire Quality function for a precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturing organization.

- The role ensures compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement in product quality, process capability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quality Strategy & Leadership:

- Develop and implement the organization's quality strategy aligned with business objectives.

- Establish quality policies, procedures, and performance metrics.

- Lead, mentor, and develop the QA/QC team.

- Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the organization.

2. Quality Management Systems (QMS):

- Implement, maintain, and improve QMS in line with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / AS9100 (as applicable).

- Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.

- Lead internal and external audits (certification & surveillance).

- Manage documentation, SOPs, control plans, and quality records.

3. Manufacturing Quality Control:

- Oversee inspection activities for incoming materials, in-process, and final inspection.

- Ensure compliance with drawing specifications, GD&T, weld standards, and surface finish requirements.

- Monitor SPC, process capability (Cp, Cpk), and statistical quality controls.

- Approve First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP submissions, and control plans.

4. Welding & Fabrication Quality:

- Ensure adherence to welding standards (AWS / ISO / customer standards).

- Manage WPS, PQR, WPQ documentation.

5. Customer Quality & Compliance:

- Handle customer audits and quality reviews.

- Address customer complaints using structured problem-solving tools (8D, RCA, CAPA).

- Monitor and improve customer PPM and quality KPIs.

- Ensure timely corrective and preventive actions.

6. Supplier Quality Management:

- Develop supplier quality standards and approval processes.

- Conduct supplier audits and performance reviews.

- Drive supplier quality improvement initiatives.

7. Continuous Improvement:

- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and cost-of-poor-quality reduction initiatives.

- Analyse defect trends and implement preventive systems.

- Improve process capability and reduce rework/scrap rates.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Customer PPM levels

- Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)

- Internal rejection & rework rates

- On-time PPAP approvals

- Audit compliance score

- Supplier defect rate

- Process capability indices (Cp/Cpk)

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Production Engineering (Master's preferred).

- 11-18+ years of experience in quality management within precision sheet metal fabrication and welded assemblies manufacturing.

- Minimum 5+ years in a leadership role.

- Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of:

- GD&T and drawing interpretation

- Welding standards (AWS/ISO)

- Sheet metal fabrication processes (laser cutting, bending, punching, welding, surface finishing)

- SPC, MSA, FMEA, Control Plans

- Root Cause Analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5 Why)

- Experience in ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / AS9100 systems.

- Familiarity with CMM, height gauges, profile projectors, and inspection tools.

- SAP system exposure.

Preferred Certifications:

- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

- Lead Auditor Certification (ISO 9001 / IATF / 14001/VDA 6.3