Job Title: Quality Manager Dept: Quality and Business Systems
FLSA: Salary Exempt
What You’ll Do
Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality Department team. Develop and implement individual development plans to enhance team capabilities. Monitor departmental performance and drive continuous improvement.
Corrective Actions & Customer Satisfaction: Oversee the execution of all corrective actions. Track and improve customer satisfaction metrics (e.g., PPMs, PRRs, NCTs, QRs). Ensure timely and effective resolution of quality issues.
Core Tools & Documentation: Ensure timely updates to Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEAs, etc.), especially following corrective actions. Maintain accurate and organized documentation in alignment with internal, customer, and AIAG requirements.
Problem Solving & Reporting: Provide cross-functional leadership in internal problem-solving activities. Implement and maintain data-driven systems for product and process reporting. Promote a culture of continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective action.
Product & Process Quality: Ensure all product specifications are met regarding fit, finish, durability, and appearance. Monitor and report performance on key product and process characteristics (KPCs). Drive improvement plans for underperforming areas.
Compliance & Certification: Maintain internal and customer databases to ensure accuracy and compliance. Ensure proper use and maintenance of Compulsory Certification Marks for finished, nonconforming, and changed products. Notify certification bodies of any product changes affecting certification status.
Customer & Supplier Relations: Serve as the primary plant-level contact for customer quality concerns. Oversee supplier quality performance, including conducting audits and site visits as necessary. Lead supplier quality assurance efforts and manage incoming quality inspection activities to ensure compliance with standards.
Operational Support: Support initiatives to reduce scrap, downtime, and improve efficiency and First Time Quality (FTQ). Document all quality-related activities as required.
Safety & Other Duties: Adhere to company emergency evacuation procedures to ensure employee safety. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
Who you are
Bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum 7–10 years of experience as a quality manager in the automotive industry, including Tier 1 manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory quality control or quality assurance role.
Proven leadership experience in a turnaround manufacturing environment
Extensive experience managing supplier quality assurance programs and overseeing incoming quality inspection processes to ensure compliance with established standards and specifications.
Certifications & Technical Skills:
Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) Certification
ASQ CQE preferred
Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1 standards
Proficient in Minitab and 8D problem-solving
Skilled in AIAG Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP)
Hands-on experience with color and appearance testing; familiar with Macbeth and other industry-standard equipment.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across matrixed teams and cross-functional organizational structures
Multilingual capabilities are a plus.
Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements
Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities. Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% as required by the role.
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Life at Dakkota
Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.
The pay range for this role is $119,112.00 – $135,000.00 per year. This role is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. The pay range listed for this position represents a good-faith estimate of potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location. This range is subject to change in the future and does not guarantee a specific salary.
Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.
Explore everything we have to offer at Dakkota Careers!
Dakkota Integrated Systems is a company with world-class products that are designed, engineered, and manufactured by a diverse team of talented employees. Dakkota provides a variety of build-to-order manufacturing processes including cockpit, overhead and fascia systems.
For decades, Dakkota's team has assembled complex interior/exterior vehicle systems for customers with demanding delivery windows. Dakkota develops superior lean assembly and sequencing operations along with first class product development and supply chain management processes to lead to industry in product/process integration, assembly and delivery.
Dakkota is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services to its customers which has been proven by the numerous awards we have received.
