QA Manager - Customer Audits & Compliance

• Position Overview

The QA Manager will lead the Quality Assurance function with primary responsibility for planning, conducting, and closing out customer, regulatory, and third-party audits across Aerospace, Automotive, Defence, and other critical industry segments. The incumbent will be the custodian of the Quality Management System (QMS), drive compliance with AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and ensure that all quality documentation, records, and processes meet the stringent requirements of our customers and accrediting bodies. The role demands strong leadership, process ownership, and the ability to build and mentor a high-performing QA team.

• Key Responsibilities

2.1 Audit Leadership & Customer Compliance

• Plan, schedule, and lead all customer audits (Aerospace, Automotive, Defence and other key accounts), regulatory inspections, and third-party certification audits (AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, NADCAP, etc.).
• Serve as the single point of contact for customer quality representatives during audits, site visits, and quality reviews.
• Prepare the organization for audits: readiness checks, mock audits, gap assessments, and pre-audit training of cross-functional teams.
• Drive timely closure of audit findings (NCRs, observations, OFIs) through root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) and sustainable corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain a live audit calendar and dashboard reporting audit status, findings, and closure rates to senior management.

2.2 Quality Management System (QMS) & Documentation

• Own, maintain, and continually improve the QMS documentation - Quality Manual, Procedures, Work Instructions, Forms, Control Plans, FMEAs, PPAPs, FAIRs, and Process Flows.
• Ensure document control, version integrity, traceability, and retention as per customer and regulatory requirements (including AS9102 First Article Inspection).
• Standardize documentation across plants/divisions and ensure alignment with customer-specific requirements (CSRs).
• Govern change control for products, processes, suppliers, and documentation in coordination with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain.

2.3 Team Management & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of QA Engineers, Auditors, Inspectors, and Document Controllers.
• Set clear KRAs/KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and build succession within the QA function.
• Identify training needs and drive competency development in core quality tools (APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, FMEA, Six Sigma, Internal Auditor certifications).
• Foster a culture of quality ownership, discipline, and continuous improvement across the organization.

2.4 Process Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor process performance through quality KPIs - PPM, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), First Pass Yield, Customer Complaints, On-Time Delivery of quality records.
• Lead root cause investigations on customer complaints, returns, and field failures; ensure robust 8D responses within customer-mandated timelines.
• Drive Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce defects, rework, and warranty costs.
• Ensure calibration, measurement system analysis (MSA), and gauge control are maintained across all inspection and test activities.

2.5 Supplier & Incoming Quality

• Oversee supplier quality assurance: supplier audits, approval, performance monitoring, and development.
• Drive PPAP approvals, deviation management, and containment actions with critical suppliers.
• Coordinate with Purchase and SCM for supplier rating and escalation of chronic non-conformances.

2.6 Regulatory, Safety & Confidentiality

• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory, EHS, and export-control requirements relevant to Aerospace and Defence programs (e.g., ITAR/export-control awareness where applicable).
• Safeguard customer IP, controlled documents, and classified information in line with contractual obligations.
• Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Aeronautical, Automobile, or related engineering discipline. M.Tech / MBA (Operations / Quality) will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance, of which at least 3-5 years in a managerial/leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully hosting and clearing customer audits in Aerospace, Automotive, and/or Defence sectors.
• Hands-on experience in implementing and maintaining AS9100 / IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 systems. • Exposure to NADCAP, AS9145, AS9102, and CEMILAC / DGAQA / DGQA norms is highly desirable.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Lead Auditor - AS9100 and/or IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001.
• Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE/CQM) from ASQ or equivalent.
• Technical & Functional Skills
• Strong command of core quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D, 5-Why, Control Plans.
• Deep understanding of customer-specific requirements for OEMs in Aerospace, Automotive, and Defence.
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, GD&T, and inspection methods (CMM, Vision Systems, NDT basics).
• Working knowledge of ERP/QMS software (SAP QM, Oracle, or equivalent) and MS Office / Power BI for quality dashboards.
• Behavioral Competencies
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to represent the company in front of demanding customers and auditors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - audit reporting, CAPA documentation, and executive presentations.
• High ownership, integrity, and attention to detail; zero tolerance for compromise on quality or compliance.
• Structured problem-solver with the ability to work under pressure and tight audit timelines.
• Collaborative leader who can influence cross-functional teams - Operations, Engineering, SCM, and Sales.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Customer audit score and zero major NCRs in customer/certification audits.
• On-time closure of audit findings and CAPAs (>95%).
• Reduction in customer complaints, PPM, and Cost of Poor Quality year-on-year.
• Timeliness and accuracy of PPAP, FAIR, and quality documentation submissions.
• Team capability development - certifications, internal auditor pool, and succession readiness.