Head of Quality Management – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Chicago's Northwert Suburbs, IL | On-site

GACC Midwest is supporting an established international manufacturer with the recruitment of a Head of Quality Management for its U.S. operation.

About the Role:

Our client is looking for a hands-on quality leader who enjoys building systems rather than simply maintaining them.

You will lead the company's transition into automotive manufacturing, establish an IATF 16949-compliant Quality Management System, and prepare the organization for customer audits while working closely with leadership in both the United States and Germany.

Reporting directly to the President, you will have significant influence over how quality processes are developed, standardized, and embedded throughout the organization.

Your First-Year Priorities

Your initial focus will include three key strategic initiatives:

• Successfully support the launch of the company's newly awarded automotive business

• Lead the implementation of IATF 16949 and further strengthen the existing ISO 9001 Quality Management System

• Prepare the organization for upcoming customer audits and establish automotive-ready quality processes and documentation

These projects will define the company's future automotive success and place you at the center of a major business transformation.

About the Company

Our client is a privately held manufacturer specializing in precision metal stamping and deep drawing solutions. The company has an established U.S. manufacturing operation and is part of an international organization with headquarters in Germany.

As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company has recently secured its first major automotive programs with global manufacturers. To support this expansion, it is investing in new production equipment, strengthening its manufacturing capabilities, and building an automotive-grade quality organization.

This is a unique opportunity to join the business during a transformational stage and play a leading role in shaping its future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS)

• Drive the implementation and certification of IATF 16949 while maintaining ISO 9001 compliance

• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, control plans, inspection plans, and training materials

• Lead customer audit preparation and serve as the primary quality contact during automotive customer visits

• Implement and oversee Automotive Core Tools including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Tooling, Purchasing, and Production to ensure robust quality processes

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies

• Standardize quality processes while adapting global standards to U.S. customer and regulatory requirements

• Train and coach employees on quality systems and documentation

• Monitor quality performance through KPIs and identify continuous improvement opportunities

• Support new product launches and ensure customer-specific requirements are successfully implemented

• Work closely with the German headquarters while serving as the local quality leader for the U.S. operation

What The Company Is Looking For

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing quality professional who enjoys solving problems, building systems, and creating lasting improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Several years of Quality Management experience within a manufacturing environment

• Hands-on experience implementing or leading IATF 16949 initiatives

• Knowledge of ISO 9001

• Automotive manufacturing experience

• Experience with Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans)

• Experience preparing for and participating in customer audits

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality documentation

• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally throughout manufacturing operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in precision metal stamping, deep drawing, transfer press, or similar metal forming operations

• Experience supporting automotive launches

• Spanish language skills are beneficial due to employee training responsibilities

• Experience working within an international manufacturing organization

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $85,000–$120,000

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Paid Time Off increasing with tenure, up to 20 days per year

• 8 paid company holidays

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in the company's expansion into the automotive industry and work closely with an international leadership team