Senior Vice President of Quality and Operational Excellence

Location: California

Position Overview
A globally recognized OEM manufacturer, known for its commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability, is seeking a Senior Vice President of Quality and Operational Excellence to lead its North American operations based in California. This pivotal role will focus on driving continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining the highest quality standards, and ensuring operational excellence across all regional manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive quality management systems that align with global and regional standards.
• Oversee operational improvement strategies, incorporating lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other industry best practices.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable production processes.
• Collaborate with product development and manufacturing teams to embed quality at every stage of the production lifecycle.
• Ensure strict compliance with U.S. and international safety, environmental, and quality standards, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to track performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of quality, safety, and innovation throughout the organization.
• Serve as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, suppliers, and other external stakeholders to maintain the company's reputation for excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; Masters degree preferred.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in quality and operational excellence, with at least 5 years at a major OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
• Proven expertise in implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.
• Strong proficiency with quality management tools and software such as SAP QM, Minitab, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage compliance with regulatory and environmental standards, including FMVSS, CARB, and OSHA requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills with a track record of managing diverse teams and global operations.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques, including Industry 4.0 and digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with electric vehicle (EV) production and related quality challenges.
• Established industry network and ability to collaborate effectively with international teams and suppliers.

This role represents an opportunity to lead quality and operational initiatives for a globally respected OEM, ensuring the company's commitment to excellence is upheld in the competitive automotive market. The successful candidate will bring visionary leadership, technical expertise, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.