Description/Synopsis:

A leading organisation in the automotive and transport manufacturing sector is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to ensure that vehicle assembly operations consistently meet OEM standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.

This role is ideal for a quality-focused professional with extensive automotive manufacturing experience who is passionate about product integrity, process compliance, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will be responsible for auditing assembly processes, identifying quality risks, driving corrective actions, and ensuring that every vehicle leaving the production line meets the highest quality standards.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 essential
• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field
• Code EC driver's licence essential
• Minimum 10 years' experience within the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) or automotive manufacturing industry
• Proven experience in automotive quality management environments
• Familiarity with South African regulatory requirements including NRCS and vehicle homologation standards
• Experience within SKD/CKD assembly operations advantageous
• ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 Internal Auditor certification advantageous
• Strong understanding of quality systems, auditing methodologies, and manufacturing processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills

Main Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Auditing

• Conduct in-process, incoming, and end-of-line quality audits across assembly operations
• Verify compliance with OEM assembly standards, specifications, and work instructions
• Audit incoming CKD kits, critical components, and supplier quality documentation
• Ensure quality inspections are completed accurately and in accordance with established procedures
• Protect product integrity through independent and objective quality verification processes

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with OEM quality requirements, industry standards, and regulatory obligations
• Support vehicle homologation activities and regulatory inspections where required
• Maintain quality records, compliance documentation, audit reports, and supporting evidence
• Monitor adherence to quality-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and OEM revisions

Quality Improvement & Problem Solving

• Identify quality non-conformances and initiate corrective action processes
• Support containment activities, root cause investigations, and corrective action implementation
• Monitor corrective action effectiveness and ensure timely closure of quality issues
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving quality, reducing defects, and enhancing customer satisfaction

Quality Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of quality findings, interventions, corrective actions, and improvements
• Utilise SAP MES/MRP systems to track quality performance and compliance activities
• Support the review and maintenance of OEM build instructions and associated quality documentation
• Ensure quality-related data is accurately reported and available for management review

Training & Stakeholder Management

• Deliver quality awareness training and defect prevention initiatives across production teams
• Promote a strong quality culture throughout the assembly operation
• Work closely with Technical, Production, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality concerns
• Liaise with OEM representatives, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders on quality-related matters

Continuous Improvement

• Support initiatives to improve product quality, process capability, and operational performance
• Identify trends and recurring issues through audit findings and quality data analysis
• Recommend improvements to quality systems, processes, and controls
• Contribute to the development of best practices that enhance overall manufacturing quality performance