Job Description

Brief Role Description

The Subdivision Leader is responsible for strategically managing and developing the Quality Purchased Parts organization across Powertrain, Chassis, and Electrics/Electronics. This management position ensures supplier quality performance, robust component maturity, and long-term quality stability for all purchased parts within the assigned commodity groups.
The role leads a team of engineers and specialists, drives cross-functional alignment, and represents Quality Purchased Parts toward suppliers and internal stakeholders at plant and corporate levels.

Possible Tasks within this Role

1. Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop a team of supplier quality engineers for PT/Chassis/E&E.
• Define quality strategies for new projects, series production, and supplier development.
• Ensure alignment with overall plant and global Quality Purchased Parts strategy.
• Act as key interface between central quality, engineering, procurement, production, and supplier networks.

2. Supplier Quality Management

• Oversee supplier qualification, advanced quality planning, and PPAP/PPF approvals.
• Ensure robust component maturity throughout development and into series production.
• Drive supplier performance improvement and escalate critical quality risks.
• Manage crisis situations, ensuring fast and sustainable problem resolution.

3. Operational Excellence

• Monitor KPIs (0-km defects, field failures, PPM, maturity levels).
• Ensure implementation of preventive quality methodologies (FMEA, control plans, SPC, etc.).
• Conduct or support process audits at suppliers (VDA 6.3 or equivalent).
• Safeguard production by resolving supply-related quality issues swiftly and sustainably.

4. Cross-functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Engineering to ensure product and process feasibility.
• Support Purchasing in supplier nomination decisions with quality risk assessments.
• Represent QPP in program reviews, launch activities, and executive meetings.
• Engage with global teams to share best practices and harmonize processes.

Qualification requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in automotive quality, supplier management, or component development.
• Proven leadership experience (team lead, project lead, or comparable role).

Technical Skills

• In-depth knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes for PT, Chassis, or E/E components.
• Strong understanding of quality tools:
  • APQP, PPAP/PPF, 8D, Ishikawa, FMEA, SPC, MSA
  • VDA 6.3 audit competence (certification preferred).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and related standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerance specifications, and technical documentation.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong communication and negotiation skills (internal & external).
• Ability to drive decisions in cross-functional and multicultural environments.
• High resilience and structured problem-solving mindset.
• Strategic thinking combined with operational execution capability.

Optional / Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers.
• Knowledge of electric powertrain, high‑voltage systems, ADAS/ECU components, or lightweight chassis technologies.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in international manufacturing environments.

Skills

• Conflict Management
• Team Building Strategies
• Employee Development
• Sense of Responsibility
• Communication Skills
• Team Dialogues
• Employee Appraisal Techniques
• Motivational Interviewing
• Regulatory Compliance Management
• Legal Requirements