Job Description

Inside the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Engineering Supervisor to join our Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant. As the Supervisor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality are maintained throughout our production process by effectively managing all supplier quality, and major component-related issues. Additionally, you will oversee the operations of our QA Lab, which encompasses our advanced CMM equipment, torque-controlled tool calibration equipment, and other measurement tools. You will also be responsible to oversee activities related to QA Audits including residual torque and key-processes.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

• Typically requires a Bachelors Degree
• Typically requires 5-7 years of relevant experience or 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Decision maker for daily activities that are guided by policy, procedures, and business plans with oversight from manager
• Demonstrates understanding and application of procedures and concepts related to job field as well as basic knowledge of other related work areas
• Coordinates the resources of team and set daily priorities to meet operational objectives
• Primarily supervises the work of entry and intermediate level professional individual contributors or large numbers of shop floor employees in operations, manufacturing, and/or logistics
• Interprets and administers policies, processes, and procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to use tact and diplomacy to exchange information, handle sensitive issues, and translate, simplify, and clarify information for employees
• Responsible for staffing decisions such as hiring, firing, rewarding, training, and developing employees

What You Drive at DTNA

Supplier Quality Management:

• Manage and lead a team of 13+ direct reports responsible for supplier quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure their compliance with quality requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, conducting assessments at regular intervals to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address and resolve supplier-related quality spills promptly.
• Manage the activities of a team of contractors on-site representing DTNA suppliers.

QA Lab Management:

• Oversee the QA Lab operations. Coordinate measurement analysis of suspect parts to identify and document potential quality spills from suppliers. Develop and implement standardized procedures for measurement, inspection, and reporting within the QA Lab.
• Lead residual torque audit process and the daily/weekly/monthly key process audits.
• Lead torque-controlled tool calibration process (DC tools and Pulse tools) within Cleveland.

Strategy Implementation:

• Lead the team in deploying the strategy (Hoshin Kanri), aligning it with the Business Unit's vision and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with senior management to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and annual objectives for the supplier quality function.
• Monitor progress towards achieving objectives and regularly report on the status of the initiatives.

Continuous Improvement and TOS Quality Tools:

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the supplier quality team and across the organization.
• Utilize the Truck Operating System (TOS) Quality tools, such as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), 5 Whys, and Root Cause Analysis, to drive problem-solving and quality improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor direct reports in the application of TOS Quality tools, fostering their growth and development.

Team Mentoring, Development & Staffing:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to direct reports to support their professional growth and enhance their technical skills.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish development plans to address skill gaps and career aspirations.
• Make staffing decisions, including hiring, rewarding, training, and developing employees within the supplier quality department.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

Financial Management:

• Manage finances within the department, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control measures.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements (Overtime/HPV) without compromising quality standards.
• Collaborate with senior management to make strategic investments in purchasing equipment and resources to enhance supplier quality processes.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of supplier quality-related activities, including but not limited to quality spills, campaigns, etc.
• Regularly maintain and update the internal policies and procedures aligned with ISO 9001:2015.
• Prepare reports, metrics, and presentations for management and stakeholders to provide insights into supplier quality performance.
• Communicate quality issues, trends, improvement plans, and Hoshin Kanri progress effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge You Should Bring

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field with 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years proven experience in quality management within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the automotive or heavy truck industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a team and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems, supplier quality assurance, and relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
• Familiarity with measurement and inspection techniques, including CMM equipment operation and analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and methodologies for quality improvement (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Principles, A3, PRT).
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Communication and Leadership:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers, leadership team, and cross-functional teams across the organization.
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to analyze complex data and drive data-based decision making.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s degree in Business or Engineering with an emphasis on operations management.

• Previous manager/supervisory experience within the automotive industry.
• Certification or training in ISO 9001:2015 and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Certification or training with advanced quality tools (example Six Sigma) for resolving complex and systemic problems.
• Excellent negotiation skills: Ability to effectively negotiate with external and internal stakeholders to achieve favorable outcomes and mutually beneficial agreements.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Cleveland, NC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.