Director, Quality Assurance

Director, Quality Assurance Cooper Standard - 3.5 Northville, MI Job Details Full-time 18 hours ago Qualifications Customer communication Master's degree in business administration Managerial strategic planning Strategic management Master's degree in business Customer relationship building

IATF 16949

2016 Engineering Statistical Process Control Six Sigma methodology implementation Data reporting Compliance management implementation Change management Key Performance Indicators Design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) Mentoring Quality assurance within automotive industry Overseeing audit functions Manufacturing Root cause analysis

PPAP OEM

Senior level Cross-functional collaboration Business Master of Business Administration Escalation handling Leadership Manufacturing company experience Communication skills Certified Quality Engineer Cross-functional communication Senior leadership New product launch experience

Full Job Description Position Summary:

The Regional Director of Quality is accountable for leading and governing all Quality functions across multiple manufacturing sites within an assigned geographic region, supporting direct OEM customer relationships. This role ensures flawless execution of

IATF 16949, OEM

customer-specific requirements (CSRs), and Tier 1 launch, manufacturing, supplier, and warranty obligations. This position serves as the senior Quality authority and primary escalation point for OEM customers, driving zero-defect performance, on-time launches, and aggressive reduction of customer complaints and warranty risk. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Quality Direction Define and execute the regional Quality strategy aligned to OEM expectations, program commitments, and commercial objectives Lead, mentor, and develop site Quality Managers and regional technical Quality resources Establish clear Quality governance, escalation paths, and ownership for customer, supplier, and manufacturing issues Embed a zero-defect, quality-first, and customer-centric Quality culture across all sites

IATF 16949 & OEM

Compliance Ensure consistent and effective deployment of IATF 16949 and OEM CSRs across all regional sites Own regional accountability for internal, external, and customer audit performance Drive standardization of Core Tool application (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans) Ensure robust change management (engineering changes, supplier changes, process changes) compliant with OEM approval requirements APQP, Launch Excellence & Program Quality Own regional Quality performance for all new product and process launches Ensure disciplined execution of APQP milestones from sourcing through SOP and beyond Lead successful PPAP submissions and approvals for OEM programs Ensure Safe Launch / GP-12 / Controlled Shipping processes are properly executed and exited Partner with Program Management and Engineering to manage launch risk and readiness Customer Quality & OEM Interface Serve as the executive Quality interface with OEM and Tier 1 customer Quality leadership Lead resolution of customer complaints, line shutdowns, field issues, and quality spills Ensure consistent, high-quality 8D / KT problem-solving and containment execution Own and improve OEM customer scorecards Support commercial discussions where Quality performance impacts awards, sourcing, or recovery costs Warranty & Field Quality Own regional warranty quality strategy and performance Drive root cause analysis of field failures using structured problem-solving Partner with Engineering on design robustness, lessons learned, and design changes Lead cross-functional actions to reduce warranty exposure and cost Operational Quality & Manufacturing Excellence Drive improvements in first-pass yield, defect reduction, scrap, rework, and COPQ Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to improve process capability (Cpk / Ppk) Ensure robust layered process audits (LPA) and standardized problem-solving methodologies Promote consistency in quality standards and execution across sites Metrics, Governance & Reporting Own regional Quality KPIs including customer PPM, IpB, Scorecards, audit findings, and COPQ Use data-driven insights to identify systemic issues and prioritize improvement actions Provide clear and transparent Quality status reporting to executive and regional leadership Qualifications Education Advanced degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical field (preferred) Master's degree or MBA (preferred) Experience 12+ years of progressive Automotive Quality experience, preferably within Tier 1 organizations Proven multi-site or regional Quality leadership experience Extensive experience supporting OEM customers and managing direct OEM relationships Strong launch, APQP, PPAP, and warranty leadership background Experience and competency in facilitating DFMEA, PFMEA and Control Plan teams Skills & Competencies Executive-level communication and customer-facing leadership Strong influencing skills across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams Ability to manage high-pressure customer escalations and protect commercial outcomes Change leadership and standardization across multiple facilities Expertise in all AIAG core tools (AQP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC and PPAP) and structured problem-solving (5-Why, 8D, KT, Six Sigma) Certifications (Preferred) ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent Travel 50% travel within the region, customer sites, and supplier locations Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered. Cooper Standard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note that Cooper Standard maintains a list of preferred recruiting agencies and only members of our Talent Acquisition Department have the authority to engage and authorize recruiting services. We also do not seek or accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Cooper Standard will be considered unencumbered and free from any charge whatsoever.