Associate Lead - Quality

Job Purpose

To ensure robust incoming quality of bought-out parts, drive process compliance across warehouse and dispatch operations, reduce dealer claims, improve packaging quality, and strengthen quality assurance systems through audits, supplier evaluations, corrective actions, and customer claim management.

Key Responsibilities

Incoming Quality Management

• Certify incoming quality of bought-out parts and components as per defined quality standards.
• Monitor Incoming Quality Control (IQC) activities and ensure adherence to inspection plans.
• Drive containment actions for non-conforming materials and supplier quality issues.
• Follow up on corrective and preventive actions with suppliers.

Workforce Certification & Capability Building

• Ensure deployment of trained workmen across critical quality processes.
• Conduct skill assessment, certification, and periodic re-certification of operators as per standard checklists.
• Identify competency gaps and facilitate training for quality improvement.

Supplier & Process Quality

• Evaluate suppliers and vendors based on quality performance and compliance requirements.
• Route and review Engineering Change Forms (ECF) and ensure effective implementation.
• Monitor closure of RT, Segregation Notes, MSN and other quality observations within defined timelines.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives with suppliers.

Dealer Claims & Customer Quality

• Analyze dealer claims related to picking, packing, dispatch, and product quality.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce recurring claims.
• Handle dealer claim validation and settlement processes.
• Track claim trends and recommend preventive measures.

Packaging & Dispatch Quality

• Improve packaging quality standards to minimize transit and handling damages.
• Ensure compliance to packaging specifications across all order types.
• Monitor dispatch quality performance and implement corrective measures for deviations.
• Drive quality improvements in warehouse handling processes.

Returns Management

• Manage and monitor Smile Returns process.
• Analyze return reasons and implement actions for defect reduction and process improvement.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to reduce repeat returns.

Process Audits & Compliance

• Conduct process audits across warehouse, quality, and dispatch operations.
• Identify abnormalities, non-conformities, and compliance gaps.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure compliance with internal quality systems and operational standards.

Quality Improvement & Reporting

• Lead root cause analysis using 8D, Why-Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagram, and CAPA methodologies.
• Track quality KPIs and prepare management reports.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, claim reduction, and process enhancement.