Quality Manager

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is a critical leader within the Nidec Automation Quality organization, responsible for driving product quality, reliability, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across motors, gearmotor assemblies, machined components, testing and measurement systems, electronic drive systems, and related components.

This role provides strategic and technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle, including new product development, qualification, Safe Launch initiatives, product transfers, application engineering support, supplier quality development, manufacturing quality assurance, and warranty reduction efforts. The Quality Manager serves as a key advocate for the Voice of the Customer, leading corrective actions, quality improvement initiatives, and cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence while reducing cost and quality-related risks.

In addition, this position partners closely with Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers to ensure robust quality systems, effective process controls, and successful supplier selection, qualification, and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products while ensuring compliance with quality, reliability, safety, and customer requirements.
• Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Safe Launch processes to proactively identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality performance metrics, customer satisfaction, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead projects focused on reducing the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), warranty expenses, and manufacturing defects.
• Collaborate directly with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve quality concerns and strengthen customer relationships.
• Facilitate and lead structured problem-solving activities, including 8D investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Champion Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement practices throughout the organization.
• Lead quality system enhancement projects, including implementation of measurement systems, inspection technologies, and process controls.
• Develop and present quality performance reviews, business updates, and executive-level communications.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, customer requirements, and Nidec quality management system expectations.
• Provide quality leadership and support for supplier qualification, development, audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Conduct quality audits and assessments at manufacturing facilities, supplier locations, and customer sites to verify process effectiveness and product conformity.
• Establish and monitor key quality performance indicators, driving accountability and sustainable improvements across the business.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, Quality Management, or Applied Science preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Quality Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading quality initiatives, customer issue resolution, and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Experience supporting new product development, APQP, PPAP, Safe Launch, and manufacturing process validation activities.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including ISO 9001 and associated auditing requirements.
• Experience utilizing AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and corrective/preventive action processes.
• Strong project management capabilities with a proven track record of delivering measurable business results.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification required (or willingness to obtain certification); Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data using statistical tools such as Minitab.
• Excellent communication, leadership, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and drive change across multiple functions and organizational levels.

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and international travel as required, typically less than 25% annually, to support customers, suppliers, manufacturing locations, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.