Job Description

Key missions of the position:

- Own end-to-end manufacturing quality performance across all production lines
- Drive adherence to process controls, PFMEA, and quality standards
- Strengthen quality systems (WMS, IMS, IRIS) across shop-floor operations
- Build a strong quality culture focused on defect prevention and process discipline
- Drive continuous improvement to reduce internal defects and rework

Measurement

Q: Process quality, product conformity, and audit compliance
C: Cost of poor quality (COPQ), rework, and scrap
D: Production flow stability and defect resolution timelines

- Internal defect rate and rework levels
- First-time-right (FTR) and process capability metrics
- COPQ (scrap, rework, internal failures)
- Audit compliance (process, product, system audits)
- Quality wall clearance and process adherence
- Reduction in recurring internal failures

Responsibilities

Main responsibilities:

Manufacturing Quality Strategy & Leadership

- Define and drive manufacturing quality strategy aligned with plant performance and operational goals
- Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, and structured review mechanisms
- Ensure standardization of quality practices across all production lines
- Align manufacturing quality objectives with productivity, delivery, and operational excellence

Process Quality & Operational Excellence

- Drive adherence to PFMEA, control plans, and work instructions across all operations
- Ensure robustness of manufacturing processes through process capability improvement
- Strengthen defect prevention systems and process discipline on the shop floor
- Ensure effective implementation of product and process changes (ECO / DRC)

Non-Conformance & Defect Prevention

- Establish systems for identification, containment, and elimination of internal defects
- Drive structured root cause analysis (RCA) and long-term corrective actions
- Monitor recurring defects and implement systemic preventive measures




- Ensure zero-defect flow across manufacturing through solid control mechanisms

Quality Systems, Audits & Compliance

- Ensure adherence to WMS, IMS, IRIS, and organizational quality standards
- Lead internal audits, process audits, and product audits with full compliance
- Ensure audit readiness and closure of audit findings within defined timelines
- Drive standardization, documentation discipline, and traceability across operations

Inspection, Testing & Product Release Governance

- Ensure effectiveness of inspection and testing systems across production
- Govern FAI, PDI, quality wall, and product release processes
- Ensure no non-conforming product moves to subsequent stages
- Strengthen validation systems to ensure product conformity

Cross-Functional Integration

- Partner with manufacturing, engineering, PPC, and SCM teams for process alignment
- Ensure quality is embedded into production planning and execution
- Drive resolution of cross-functional issues impacting product quality
- Support operational teams in achieving production and quality targets

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

- Own manufacturing quality KPIs and drive structured performance reviews
- Lead improvement initiatives such as Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma projects
- Drive reduction in COPQ through systematic process improvements
- Promote continuous improvement culture across shop-floor operations

People Leadership & Capability Development

- Lead and develop manufacturing quality organization including Managers, DMs, and Engineers

- Build strong capability in process quality,



audits, and problem-solving methods
- Drive performance management, succession planning, and team development
- Foster ownership, accountability, and quality discipline across teams
- Enable cross-functional understanding of quality practices in operations

Authority & Governance

- Exercise authority to stop production in case of major process or quality risks
- Ensure strict adherence to quality gates and process controls
- Act as escalation authority for critical manufacturing quality issues
- Drive governance for product release, deviation approvals, and process compliance

People Management: YES ¨ NO ¨

If People Management, how many employees are managed? No

Number of people : 6-7

Budget Management: YES ¨ NO ¨

NO

Required Candidate Profile

Education/Training

§ Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

§ Six Sigma / Quality certifications – Preferred

Professional Experience

§ 15–20+ years of experience in manufacturing / process quality

§ Minimum 5–8 years in leadership roles managing manufacturing quality teams

§ Strong experience in process quality systems, audits, and shop-floor quality

Key Competences (Transversal/Professional)

Competence

Level

Manufacturing / Operation Quality Governance 5

Quality Systems & Audi s 5

Operational & Technical Expertise 5

Strategic, Risk & Compliance Management 5

People / Stakeholders Management 5

Strategic Thinking 5

Languages

- English
- Hindi

Behavioral Skills

- Demonstrates strong ownership of manufacturing quality performance

- Drives accountability and discipline across shop-floor operations
- Strong decision-making capability in high-pressure production environments
- Influences cross-functional teams to align with quality objectives
- Proactive, prevention-focused mindset for defect reduction
- Champions continuous improvement and operational excellence

📌 DGM Product Quality (Hosur)
🏢 Wabtec
📍 Hosur