About this opportunity
Innovate International Limited lists this Quality Systems Manager - Automotive opportunity in knoxville, Tennessee. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Description
Quality Systems Manager – Automotive
Position Summary
Technical Response, Inc. (TRI) is entering an exciting new phase of growth as we expand our manufacturing capabilities into the automotive industry through the production of injection molded components for a leading regional automotive manufacturer. To support this strategic initiative, TRI is seeking an experienced Quality Systems Manager – Automotive who will play a key leadership role in developing, strengthening, and advancing our Quality Management System to meet the rigorous expectations of the automotive industry.
This is more than a traditional quality management position. The successful candidate will serve as a change leader, partnering with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Executive Leadership to establish a quality culture built on prevention, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Leveraging previous experience in automotive manufacturing—preferably within an injection molding environment, the Quality Systems Manager will help guide TRI through the implementation of automotive quality standards, robust manufacturing controls, and industry best practices that support long‑term growth and customer success.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with automotive quality systems, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and structured problem‑solving methodologies, along with a passion for building sustainable processes, mentoring teams, and driving organizational excellence. Experience implementing or maintaining an IATF 16949 Quality Management System is strongly preferred.
Why Join TRI?
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Technical Response, Inc. As TRI expands into automotive manufacturing, the Quality Systems Manager will have the opportunity to build processes, influence organizational culture, and establish quality systems that will support long‑term growth. This highly visible position works closely with senior leadership and plays a critical role in the successful launch and ongoing support of TRI's automotive manufacturing operations.
Requirements
Essential Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of TRI's Quality Management System.
Partner with leadership to establish an automotive quality culture that emphasizes prevention, process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Develop quality policies, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and standardized documentation that support automotive manufacturing requirements.
Prepare the organization for compliance with IATF 16949 requirements and customer-specific quality standards.
Lead APQP activities for new product launches.
Coordinate and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation to customers.
Facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities, as applicable.
Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) programs.
Lead internal quality audits and coordinate customer and third‑party audits.
Manage customer quality concerns, warranty issues, corrective actions, and preventive actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
Develop quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor system effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to resolve quality issues and improve manufacturing processes.
Establish supplier quality expectations and support supplier development and corrective action activities, as required.
Oversee incoming, in‑process, and final inspection processes.
Manage calibration and inspection equipment programs.
Support process validation, new equipment qualification, and manufacturing process improvements.
Train and mentor employees on quality principles, automotive requirements, and best practices.
Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
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Worksite address
knoxville, TN, 37955, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.