Quality Specialist

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Quality Specialist to join their Port Elizabeth manufacturing facility. They seek a qualified, experienced individual capable of ensuring that all manufactured products meet internal specifications as well as the strict requirements set out by OEM partners.

POSITION INFO:

Purpose of the Role

• Ensure that all products comply with internal specifications and OEM quality standards.
• Respond effectively to out-of-control conditions by identifying nonconforming parts, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and restoring processes to optimal control limits.
• Lead and support product quality problem solving using root-cause analysis methodologies defined by the organisation.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
• Certificate in Quality Assurance.
• Quality Assurance Diploma or Engineering Diploma (advantageous).
• Yellow Belt Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred).

Experience

• 3–5 years in an OEM manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or chemical industry experience advantageous).
• Experience managing at least 1–2 direct reports.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, automotive core tools, and OEM-specific requirements.
• Good understanding of statistical tools and indices.

Major Responsibilities and Key Result Areas

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949 and OEM-specific requirements.
• Verify and validate improvements, process changes, and new product launches.
• Conduct Layered Process Audits.
• Support audit findings through root-cause identification and corrective action implementation using Fast Response methodology.
• Enhance internal supplier performance to improve the quality of in-process products and services.

Operational Quality Support

• Participate in daily area meetings as a key Fast Response Team member.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans and contribute to FMEA cross-functional teams.
• Supervise Product and Process Inspectors, providing guidance on non-conforming product decisions.
• Review and sign off inspection records, ensuring accurate feedback to inspectors.
• Manage archiving and retrieval of quality records in line with retention policies.
• Monitor Significant Characteristics using statistical tools and data-acquisition systems.
• Conduct Measurement System Analyses on devices listed in the Control Plan.
• Attend daily scrap meetings and support corrective actions for out-of-control conditions.
• Ensure accurate defect capture and correct identification of failure modes.
• Support defect-reduction initiatives aligned with operational targets.
• Provide weekly summary reports to the Quality Control Manager.
• Serve as the custodian of Quality Control and Quality Assurance for the assigned area.
• Perform daily on-the-job checks for product and documentation compliance.
• Assist with managing customer complaints.
• Contribute to the lessons-learned database and assist with issuing Quality Alerts, One-Point Lessons, and Quality Focus Points.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Comply with all relevant Health, Safety, and Environmental regulations.
• Promote positive HSE culture and awareness across the team.
• Ensure team members understand and uphold all safety rules and OEM-specific requirements.
• Maintain workplace discipline.
• Clearly communicate team roles and responsibilities.

Company Values

• Honesty and integrity
• Mutual respect, trust, and dignity
• Openness and transparency
• Participation, cooperation, and teamwork
• Performance and accountability
• Passion and commitment

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Attributes

• Proactive and action-oriented
• Flexible and adaptable
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Customer-focused
• Resilient and analytical
• Excellent attention to detail