Summary/PurposeThis position is responsible for supporting and leading the operation of the quality department and the effectiveness of the entire plant’s quality program to ensure customer satisfaction.Essential Duties and Accountabilities: Overall responsibility for quality systems and initiatives to meet or exceed customer quality expectationsInitiate activities that will strengthen quality related standards and systems - maintain the company’s Quality Management System in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO14001/45001 and other applicable industry standards.Support product lines for internal and external quality related issues and assure corrective action plans are developedand implementedSupport gauge design, capability studies and the calibration systemSupport and direct quality engineers with new product launch activitiesDesign and execute quality system and product auditsAssume lead role in external/certification and sustainability related activitiesSupport professional/skills development of quality department members including customer interaction and problemanalysis/resolution skillsAssume responsibility for assembly in-process inspection and warrantyDirectly manage all aspects of JTEKT internal quality organizationCollaborate with engineering and production teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.Work closely with JNA Quality Management to ensure initiatives consistent with directives from JNA and JTEKTJapanWork daily overtime and Saturdays/Sundays as necessary to complete essential job dutiesPerform other duties as assignedSupervisory Responsibilities:This position is responsible for supervising employees in accordance with policies and procedures.Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skillsEffective communication with all layers of organization, customers and suppliersStrong statistical, analytical, SPC and measuring skillsSelf-motivated and able to work without close supervisionBasic knowledge of applicable quality, health, safety, and environmental management systemsExtensive knowledge of IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP, and SPC (statistical process control)Experience and high degree of proficiency with 8D problem-solving, 5Why analysis, other root cause analysis methodologies, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA (Measurement System Analysis) and Gauge R&RBudget preparation and control experience; excellent organizational skills that promote efficiency and leadership.Positive attitude, highly motivated, and high energy level.High-volume manufacturing experience with machining, assembly, or die casting.Tier-1 automotive industry experience.Ability to work overtime is an essential function of the position. The above may be waived by the Plant Manager and the Human Resources Manager if the candidate is otherwise qualified.   Required Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science in a Technical Field, i.e. Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering4-6 years of quality related experience in metal component fabrication & assembly Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality management role with KPI improvement responsibilityMinimum 5 years performing above duties in the Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier sectorWork Environment/Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.Specific vision abilities required with this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 10-20% of time.