Quality Director / Senior Director (Semiconductor/Automotive)

Job Overview:

The Quality Director is responsible for leading and driving all quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement activities within manufacturing operations. This strategic leadership role will focus on ensuring products meet rigorous industry standards and customer requirements, with particular emphasis on the stringent compliance and quality demands of semiconductor or automotive sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Quality Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic quality initiatives aligned with business objectives to consistently achieve superior quality performance, reduce defects, and enhance customer satisfaction.

• Establish a strong quality culture across all manufacturing sites, championing continuous improvement methodologies.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Oversee quality assurance programs, regulatory compliance, certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, VDA 6.3), and audits.

• Maintain rigorous compliance with industry-specific standards such as automotive PPAP, APQP, semiconductor reliability standards, and customer specifications.

Quality Systems Management:

• Manage and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring its effectiveness and adherence across all manufacturing processes and facilities.

• Lead cross-functional teams in root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

Supplier Quality Management:

• Oversee supplier quality assurance processes, establishing clear expectations, conducting audits, and ensuring suppliers consistently meet or exceed quality requirements.

• Collaborate closely with supply chain teams to mitigate supplier-related risks and quality issues.

Continuous Improvement and Problem-Solving:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Kaizen events.

• Use advanced analytical tools and techniques for problem-solving, failure analysis, and defect reduction.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary quality liaison with customers, addressing quality concerns promptly and effectively, ensuring timely and robust communication.

• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and key industry stakeholders.

Team Development and Leadership:

• Recruit, mentor, develop, and manage a high-performing quality management team.

• Foster an environment of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within the Quality department.