Job Description

The ODU Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of connector systems, employing 2,500 people around the world. In addition to its company headquarters in Mühldorf am Inn (Germany), ODU also has an international distribution network and production sites in China, Romania, USA and Mexico.

ODU combines all relevant areas of expertise and key technologies including design and development, machine tooling and special machine construction, injection, stamping, turning, surface technology, assembly and cable assembly. ODU connectors ensure a reliable transmission of power, signals, data and media for a variety of demanding applications including medical technology, military and security, automotive, industrial electronics, and test and measurement .

We are seeking a skilled Quality leader to join our North America team in our San Diego, CA office!

Position Overview

The Director of Quality is responsible for establishing and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the product and customer life cycle, ensuring compliance with regulations and customer needs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role will lead and manage the Quality team for North America (USA and Mexico), develop and implement Quality policies and procedures, set strategic direction and collaborate with other departments to achieve Quality goals and standards.

Candidate Responsibilities and Profile

An ideal candidate will lead the following responsibilities and bring a rich combination of the following experience, skills and style:

• Leadership & Quality Culture: Leads the Quality team towards excellence in product quality and operational success, fostering a culture that prioritizes quality and puts customers first. Champions continuous improvement and quality excellence, embedding quality in every aspect of operations.
• Strategic Partnership: Collaborates cross-functionally with colleagues in Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, Engineering and Applications Center to drive the Quality strategy for North America. Shares best practices with Global Quality functions to create alignment and collaboration.
• Quality Management: Oversees the development and maintenance of Quality programs, systems, processes, and procedures that ensure compliance with policies and standards. This includes customer, supplier and product quality processes. Provides expertise in interpreting policies and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Solution Leadership: Leads team investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 
• Audit Management: Leads and directs the audit preparation, resolving findings, and liaising with internal departments and facilitators, as well as external auditors. Facilitates uniform standards for North America and enables best practice sharing, ensuring clear understanding of audit requirements.
• Results Management: Establishes and defines key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the Quality team to continuously monitor performance and processes. Able to report clear and accurate results.
• Continuous Improvement: Creates a culture of continuous learning across areas of responsibility, identifying root causes of quality issues and institutionalizing organizational learning. Stays abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Compliance Focus: Ensures compliance with all Quality system procedures to meet current regulatory and customer requirements (i.e. ISO9001, AS9100, IATF 16949). Provides clear direction and communication to internal teams as required.
• Talent Management: Evaluates and develops Quality team to maximize and enhance team skills and capabilities. Mentors and coaches managers and individual contributors, providing opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Proactive Approach: Visits customer and supplier sites as needed or requested to create visibility and manage potential issues.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
• Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, CQE, CMQ/OE or other Quality certifications a plus
• 10 or more years of experience in Quality Assurance / Quality Control; 5 or more years of experience leading a team as a Quality Manager or Director
• Experience in military, medical, automotive or aerospace manufacturing industries strongly preferred
• In-depth knowledge of quality management principles, industry standards, and manufacturing processes is required
• Familiarity with 8D or Fishbone methodologies a plus
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (SAP highly preferred); able to navigate technology platforms comfortably
• Interacts well and with a high degree of urgency with customers and at all levels within the organization
• Possesses strong written/oral communications skills, as well as the ability to present views in a clear and compelling manner
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Some of our competitive benefits includes:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance paid at 100% for employees, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time Off + Holidays, 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds, Life insurance and disability coverage, Hybrid Schedule based on role, Employee Assistance Plan and more!

ODU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact humanresources@odu-usa.com.

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