Qms Lead

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced QMS Lead / Quality Systems professional to lead Quality Management Systems, customer approvals, certifications, audits, special process qualifications, supplier development and customer-specific requirements across Automotive and Aerospace manufacturing operations.

The role will be responsible for the effective understanding, documentation, implementation, training, certification and continual improvement of management systems and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, maintenance and certification of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS 9100, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 and SA 8000.
• Manage NADCAP and Special Process certifications covering NDT, FPI/MPI, Welding, Brazing, DFL and other in-house special processes.
• Drive customer approvals and customer-specific requirements for new and existing customers.
• Translate customer-specific requirements into SOPs, procedures, work instructions and training programs.
• Prepare, review, release and implement Integrated Management System manuals, procedures, SOPs and visual/work instructions.
• Plan, schedule and conduct Internal, Process, Product and Supplier Audits.
• Ensure effective closure of audit findings through corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead customer audits, including audit preparation, coordination, corrective action submission and approval closure.
• Conduct supplier audits and support suppliers with documentation, implementation, gap analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive supplier development and qualification for forgings and investment castings.
• Prepare and monitor quality KPIs and dashboards across processes.
• Coordinate Management Review Meetings, including preparation of agenda, minutes and follow-up of corrective actions.
• Handle quality-related interactions with Aerospace customers for major quality concerns and complaints.
• Identify training needs and prepare training calendars and schedules for staff and workmen.
• Coordinate customer-mandated training and qualifications such as NDT Level 2/3, AWS Welding, GE-DSQR, Honeywell SCA and other special process qualifications.
• Drive development of personnel in special process skills.
• Coordinate implementation of 5S and continual improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing units.
• Ensure effective document control and availability of the latest approved documents.
• Coordinate with third-party auditors for certification audits and related activities.
• Support integration/merger activities through review and standardization of quality procedures across business units.

Key Accountability

• Overall responsibility for obtaining and sustaining Management System Certifications, Special Process Certifications and Customer Approvals.
• Review, approve, sign-off and release Quality Management System documents.
• Sign-off customer quality agreements and customer audit reports.
• Review and close internal audit reports.
• Approve external and customer-mandated training programs.
• Participate in selection and approval of Quality Department personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Automotive and Aerospace quality standards and customer requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• 12-20 years of experience in Quality Systems / QMS, preferably in Automotive and/or Aerospace manufacturing.
• Strong experience in AS9100 and IATF 16949 environments.
• Hands-on experience in customer audits, customer approvals and third-party certification audits.
• Experience with NADCAP and special process certifications will be highly preferred.
• Strong exposure to supplier audits and supplier development.
• Experience in NDT, Welding, Brazing, DFL or other special processes.
• Strong knowledge of quality documentation, SOPs, CAPA, audit management and customer-specific requirements.
• Good understanding of KPI management, Management Review and continual improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to work across multiple manufacturing units and drive quality system implementation.