QA Head - Brakes

Job Purpose:To lead the Quality Assurance function for Brakes and ABS systems, ensuring product and process quality, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in alignment with automotive standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the QA team for Brakes & ABS, setting strategic quality goals and KPIs.
• Drive a quality-first culture across functions design, manufacturing, supplier management, etc.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and SCM to ensure early involvement in quality planning.

2. Product & Process Quality

• Ensure compliance with quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 26262).
• Review and approve PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and work instructions for brake/ABS components.
• Monitor First Pass Yield (FPY), defect rates, and other key quality metrics.

3. Supplier Quality

• Lead Supplier Quality initiatives for braking and ABS components (pads, rotors, valves, sensors).
• Conduct supplier audits, drive corrective actions, and support localization/VA-VE initiatives.

4. Customer Quality

• Serve as the customer interface for quality issues (OEM/Tier-1).
• Manage customer complaints, 8D analysis, warranty returns, and field failure investigations.
• Ensure timely resolution of NCRs, DPPMs, and implement Poka-Yoke solutions.

5. Audits & Compliance

• Lead internal and external audits – IATF, VDA 6.3, customer-specific requirements.
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory requirements for braking and ABS systems are met.
• Prepare and present quality dashboards and MRM reviews.

6. Team Management & Development

• Mentor and guide QA engineers, supervisors, and inspectors.
• Identify training needs related to brake systems, ISO standards, problem-solving tools (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, SPC, MSA).
• Build a pipeline of future quality leaders.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of braking systems, hydraulic circuits, ABS components, and testing.
• Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and 8D methodology.
• Familiarity with testing tools and rigs for ABS/braking performance.
• Strong customer orientation and experience in dealing with OEMs.
• Problem-solving mindset and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in quality tools like QMS, SAP QM Module, MiniTab, etc.