Location: Northern Indiana
Pay Rate: Up to $68/hour
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Our client is seeking a CI – Q-Excellence Group Leader to build, lead, and continuously improve the organization's Quality Management System (QMS), Quality Operating System (QOS), and Continuous Improvement initiatives within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This leadership role will oversee quality system implementation, compliance, auditing, supplier quality integration, and cross-functional collaboration while driving operational excellence from plant startup through ongoing production.
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field
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8+ years of automotive Quality Management Systems (QMS/QOS) experience
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Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA
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Experience leading QMS/QOS implementation, validation, and continuous improvement
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VDA, ISO, or IATF auditor experience (certification preferred)
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Proven leadership experience managing quality systems and cross-functional teams
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Excellent project management, technical writing, and communication skills
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment
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Experience integrating QMS with PLM, MES, and ERP systems
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Automotive greenfield or launch experience
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Supplier Quality and Manufacturing Quality leadership
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Internal and supplier auditing experience
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Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement background
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Data mining, reporting, and quality analytics experience
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Strong root cause analysis and corrective action expertise
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Passion for quality, innovation, and operational excellence
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Lead the Q-Excellence, QMS, and QOS teams supporting plant operations
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Develop, deploy, validate, and continuously improve enterprise quality systems
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Drive ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification, compliance, and audit readiness
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Lead internal and supplier audits while supporting corrective and preventive actions
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Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, IT, and suppliers to optimize quality systems
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Monitor quality system performance, identify risks, and implement sustainable improvements
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Support supplier quality, manufacturing quality, and production launch activities
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Lead continuous improvement projects focused on quality data collection, reporting, and analysis
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Coach and mentor quality system users while fostering a culture of operational excellence
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Establish quality processes, standards, methods, and tools that support long-term manufacturing success
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