Quality Systems Manager, IATF 16949 Compliance

Job Description

Job DescriptionLead the Quality Journey

Imagine walking the floor each morning and seeing a zero-defect mindset in action. As our Quality Systems Manager, you will be the change leader who turns that vision into a routine reality—guiding people, process, and product toward uncompromising quality for every shipment.

Department

Quality

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Quality Department, including Quality Leads, Engineers, Technicians, Layout and Floor Inspectors.

A day in the life

• Walk the manufacturing line to validate process controls and coach teams toward zero-defect execution.
• Review key quality metrics, spot trends, and brief executive leadership with data-driven recommendations.
• Unblock cross-functional issues with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain before they become customer problems.
• Host internal audits in the morning, welcome a customer visit in the afternoon, and close the day by finalizing corrective actions.

What you will tackle

• Build, implement, and sustain Quality Management Systems aligned with ISO and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Embed quality into manufacturing to consistently produce parts with zero defects.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions across operations.
• Define inspection and control plans that meet customer and regulatory expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost capability, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to anticipate and resolve quality risks.
• Own internal and external audits and maintain certification readiness.
• Prepare detailed customer reports, manage customer visits, and resolve issues rapidly.
• Provide technical support to the plant for emergent quality concerns.
• Assist Account Managers with PPAP packages and documentation.
• Develop Quality Results Inspection sheets and Picture Process Maps.
• Support Material Return Authorizations, oversee closure, and maintain customer rework authorization.
• Maintain quality records and deliver comprehensive quality reports.
• Assess customer-supplied product and mentor quality personnel as needed.
• Serve as the customer’s voice on all quality-related concerns.
• Stay current on automotive standards, regulatory changes, and enabling technologies.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in manufacturing quality leadership with a record of implementing robust quality systems.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, and quality control methods.
• Automotive experience and IATF 16949 knowledge are significant pluses.
• Proven analytical skills to interpret data, detect patterns, and deploy solutions.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional influence.
• Comfort working directly with executive management and operations.

Proficiencies

• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Quality Control Experience
• Tolerance Analysis
• Quality Control Data Analysis
• PPAP Process Experience

Machines & Technologies

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) (Zeiss)
• Quality Control Software

FLSA Classification

Classification:

Exempt

Equal Employment Opportunity

*Empire is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.