TQMS (Total Quality Management System) Manager - Northern Suburbs Cape Town

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a TQMS (Total Quality Management System) Manager to form part of their engineering team
This role is based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town with the potential opportunity for future relocation to the U.S

POSITION INFO:
Position Summary
The TQMS (Total Quality Management System) Manager leads the end-to-end Total Quality Management System (TQMS) for the automotive manufacturing facility, ensuring product and process excellence across the full value chain, from supplier quality to shop floor execution and customer satisfaction
The role ensures compliance with ISO 9001, OEM customer-specific quality standards, and internal operational requirements
This position is responsible for managing internal and supplier audits, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions, and fostering a plant-wide culture of right-first-time quality and continuous improvement
The ideal candidate will have deep OEM experience and a strong background in quality assurance, systems implementation, and cross-functional leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and lead the Total Quality Management System to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and OEM-specific quality standards
• Oversee product and process quality throughout the facility, from receiving inspection to final audits and delivery readiness
• Manage and coordinate internal quality audits, supplier audits, and third-party certification audits, ensuring findings are documented, addressed, and closed
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to identify quality risks and proactively implement prevention strategies
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and establish effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) using 8D, A3, or equivalent problem-solving methods
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System documentation, including procedures, work instructions, inspection standards, and control plans
• Monitor and report on quality KPIs such as First Pass Yield (FPY), Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and customer returns/rework rates
• Lead plant-level quality improvement initiatives, engaging all departments in achieving right first-time production
• Ensure effective supplier quality management, including PPAP submissions, incoming inspection protocols, and supplier corrective actions
• Champion cross-functional efforts to maintain compliance with customer-specific quality requirements, including audit-readiness and documentation standards
• Manage the quality team, including quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians, and build capability through training and development programs
• Serve as the primary plant interface for customer quality concerns and resolution, ensuring timely communication, investigation, and recovery
• Support new product introductions by ensuring quality planning (APQP), process capability studies, and inspection readiness
• Foster a culture of quality ownership at every level of the organization through coaching, visibility, and active floor presence

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of quality experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within an OEM or automotive manufacturing environment
• Deep understanding of quality systems, process audits, and customer-specific standards (e.g., TS/IATF if applicable)
• Proficiency in quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, SPC, MSA, 8D, 5 Why, and problem-solving frameworks
• Experience with supplier quality systems and corrective action processes
• Strong ERP system experience (quality modules), document control systems, and data-driven reporting

• OEM experience is essential, especially in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments with customization and complex assembly
• Fluent in English, with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of engaging confidently across technical and executive audiences