Plant Quality Manager

Plant Quality Manager Summary

The Plant Quality Manager will have leadership responsibility for driving operational, cultural and behavioral transformation to a Zero Defects mindset in order to achieve and maintain consistently high levels of product quality, having the potential to significantly influence the appeal of PCC Metals Group's premium products in the eyes of customers. The pursuit of Zero Defects, the control of our systems and processes, our response to non-Quality and the management of our interactions with customers are all vital aspects of this leadership role.

Essential functions

• Manage the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with industry standards such as AS9100 and AS13100. Ensure that all processes align with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Quality Assurance team, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Implement and monitor Quality metrics that enable the business to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and optimize manufacturing processes, reducing the Cost of Poor Quality through continuous improvement.
• Manage customer communications on quality / non-commercial topics and interface with customers during site visits, customer inspections and audits.
• Manage the customer audit, external accreditation and internal audit processes.
• Manage the customer complaint and Quality Escapes processes and coordinate on-site resolution activities applying robust problem-solving methodologies, such as 8D.
• Control customer facing Quality documentation (Certificates, PFMEAs, Control Plans, FAIRs, Inspection and Test Plans, Operating Procedures for customer approval).
• Oversee the product requirements process to ensure accurate job routings and documentation are created, and all Purchase Order specification requirements are satisfied.
• Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to assess and improve Supplier Quality. Conduct supplier audits and develop strategies to address supplier-related quality issues.
• Ensure the correct structures and governance are in place to achieve consistently high quality at every process in the facility, instilling a Zero Defect mindset and approach across all functions.
• Act as the Quality Management Representative, as required by AS9100.
• Represent the Voice of Quality to the General Manager and Senior Leadership Team.
• Responsible for the Materials Testing Laboratory, supporting the laboratory supervisor/manager to ensure they have the necessary structure and resources to maintain the required accreditations and certifications, in line with customer requirements.
• Proactively work with Engineering, Operations, Commercial and Sales teams to promote Quality within the organization.
• Ensure the electronic Quality Management System meets the needs of the business and implement enhancements in line with the Zero Defects philosophy and customer requirements.
• Assist the General Manager and Controller in preparing Quality Schedules and support documentation for the MOR pack.
• Educate employees in the Quality Rules, monitor compliance, and investigate potential violations.
• Working additional hours will be needed occasionally/as required, in order to ensure essential deliverables are achieved timely.

Competencies

• A strong leader - able to win hearts and minds, communicating a vision, a forward journey and the roadmap to get there; spot talent and develop their growth and development.
• Ability to forcefully represent the Company and the Department in challenging environments, knowing how to navigate through change resistance and trepidation.
• Robust in nature, tenacious and willing to persevere within their own team and the wider business.
• Able to drive cultural change into every area of the business.
• Innovative and dynamic in approach, motivated to succeed.
• Ability to work in high pressure environments and enact rapid decision making based on the available information.
• Results and data driven.

Education and Experience

The candidate will have an aerospace or automotive background, with a Zero Defects mindset, knowing what Quality looks like operationally, culturally and behaviorally. They will operate through a leader's visionary lens, with the ability to communicate and demonstrate what the future state will be in terms of Quality and Customer expectation.

• An accomplished and experienced Quality Management professional, comfortable operating both strategically and tactically and fully versed in the Quality Planning toolbox, processes and methodologies.
• Not content with the status-quo - disruptive by nature, having the drive and desire to transform a culture and demonstrate how they have achieved this previously.
• Strong executive presence and excellent communication skills, essential for effectively presenting complex quality data and improvement strategies to senior executives and customers. This includes the ability to clearly articulate findings, propose actionable solutions, and foster confidence in the organization's commitment to quality.
• Instilling and implementing a Zero Defects philosophy and mindset, in partnership with the operations and manufacturing engineering functions.
• Developing and maintaining a robust Quality Management System, which manages change control and a systematic approach to Quality Control on the Shop Floor.
• Driving Quality and Product Safety awareness and importance on the shop floor.

Desirable Skills/ Experience

• Experience of managing Materials Test Laboratories.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (ideally in Material Science or Metallurgy or a relevant engineering discipline).
• ASQ Certified Quality Manager preferred.
• Six Sigma Greenbelt required / Blackbelt preferred.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality management.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role, demonstrating the ability to lead quality teams and drive organizational change.
• Candidates should have a proven track record of implementing and managing Quality Management Systems (QMS) in compliance with industry standards such as AS9100, AS13100 and Nadcap.
• Proficient in 8D, SPC, MSA and FMEA methodologies.
• Proven experience in a high-volume production environment.
• Automotive or aerospace engineering/manufacturing background.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

* The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.