QMS Lead Auditor
Manchester, TN (open to relocation - full relocation package included)
Onsite 5 days a week
$70-78k a year
Role Summary
The QMS Lead Auditor owns the site Quality Management System and ensures full compliance with automotive standards and customer requirements. This role is the quality systems authority for the plant and leads audit readiness, execution, and follow‑up across internal, customer, third‑party, and corporate audits. The position partners closely with plant and corporate leadership to maintain system integrity and drive continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and maintain all QMS procedures, work instructions, and forms for the site.
- Develop and manage the internal audit schedule in line with corporate directives.
- Conduct internal audits and ensure timely, accurate audit reporting.
- Present monthly quality system status updates to Corporate.
- Ensure audit reports and audit schedules receive required approvals.
- Issue, track, and verify corrective actions and countermeasures.
- Perform special audits driven by customer or standard updates.
- Serve as the primary quality representative during customer and third‑party audits.
- Participate in management reviews, representing corporate quality.
- Advise site leadership on QMS risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Ensure standards are properly applied across procedures, policies, and work instructions.
- Ensure employee authority and accountability are clearly defined within the QMS.
Required Experience and Skills
- Automotive manufacturing quality experience.
- Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949.
- Experience with VDA requirements and German OEM standards preferred.
- IATF Lead Auditor certification from an accredited body.
- Ability to independently plan, lead, and execute audits.
- Experience supporting external and regulatory audits.
- Proven corrective action management and verification experience.
- Hands‑on experience maintaining quality system documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Strong communication skills, including working with translators.
- Comfortable working independently within a small, multi‑site team.
- Ability to be onsite most of the time with limited travel flexibility.
Nice to Have
- Direct experience with German OEMs.
- Honda or Toyota supplier experience.
- Experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites.
- Experience preparing for DMV or similar regulatory audits.
- Strong partnership with plant leadership during audits.
