Regional Quality Assurance Manager

Job Summary The Regional Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and managing quality assurance strategies, systems, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple sites within the region. This role ensures consistent implementation of quality standards, compliance with customer requirements, regulatory requirements, and Company quality management systems. The position provides leadership in quality planning, audit management, customer quality support, and the development of regional quality improvement programmes. Job Responsibilities Regional Quality Management • Develop and implement regional quality strategies aligned with Company objectives and business goals. • Establish, maintain, and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) across regional sites. • Ensure consistent application of quality standards, procedures, and best practices across all locations. • Monitor regional quality performance and drive corrective and preventive actions. • Provide leadership and guidance to site Quality Managers and quality teams. Quality Systems & Compliance • Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements. • Lead internal, external, and customer audits across regional facilities. • Manage audit findings and ensure timely corrective action implementation. • Maintain quality documentation, procedures, and process controls. • Support certification and compliance activities, including ISO and industry-specific standards. Customer Quality Management • Act as the regional quality representative for key customers. • Lead investigation and resolution of customer complaints, quality issues, and escalations. • Drive root cause analysis and corrective action activities using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, 5 Why, and Fishbone analysis. • Ensure effective communication and timely response to customer quality requirements. Quality Improvement & Operational Excellence • Drive continuous improvement programmes to enhance product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency. • Analyse quality data and trends to identify improvement opportunities. • Implement quality improvement initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, and rework. • Promote a quality culture throughout the organisation. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Process Quality • Support new product introduction activities from a quality perspective. • Ensure quality requirements are incorporated into product design, manufacturing processes, and supplier management. • Review process controls, inspection plans, and risk assessments. • Support production teams in resolving manufacturing quality issues. Supplier Quality Management • Work with suppliers to improve incoming material quality and supplier performance. • Establish supplier quality improvement plans where required. • Participate in supplier audits and qualification activities. • Monitor supplier quality metrics and corrective actions. Leadership & Team Development • Lead, mentor, and develop regional quality teams. • Establish quality objectives and performance metrics for quality personnel. • Provide training and coaching on quality tools, systems, and problem-solving methodologies. • Promote accountability and continuous improvement within the quality organisation. Reporting & Performance Management • Prepare and present regional quality performance reports to senior management. • Monitor key quality metrics, including: 1. Customer complaints 2. Defect rates 3. First-pass yield (FPY) 4. Cost of poor quality (COPQ) 5. Corrective action closure rates 6. Audit performance • Provide recommendations for quality improvements and risk mitigation. Job Requirements Qualification • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Quality Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. • Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent are preferred. Experience • Minimum 10 years of experience in quality assurance, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality management. • Minimum 5 years of experience managing regional or multi-site quality operations . • Experience in semiconductor equipment, precision engineering, automation, electronics, or high-technology manufacturing is highly preferred. • Proven experience managing customer audits, supplier quality, and quality improvement programmes. Technical Skills • Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS). • Familiarity with ISO 9001 and industry-specific quality standards. • Strong understanding of root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies. • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), FMEA, MSA, and process capability analysis. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Experience with ERP, quality management systems (QMS), and data analysis tools. • Customer complaint reduction. • Regional defect and rejection rate improvement. • First-pass yield (FPY) improvement. • Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) effectiveness. • Audit compliance performance. • Supplier quality improvement. • Cost of poor quality reduction. • Quality improvement project completion. • Development and performance of regional quality teams Leadership & Soft Skills • Strong regional leadership and stakeholder management skills. • Excellent communication and presentation skills. • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change. • Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. • Ability to travel regionally as required. • Strong business acumen and customer focus.