Assistant Manager: MQA

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

1. Lead and manage quality assurance activities specific to Vehicle Assembly, Body-in-White (BIW), and Paint processes to maintain high standards and compliance.
2. Implement and oversee quality control tools and methodologies such as MPPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC to systematically identify and mitigate risks throughout the manufacturing process.
3. Conduct thorough process audits including overall process audits, product audits, and layer audits within the plant environment to ensure adherence to quality standards and continuous improvement.
4. Drive the quality assurance function within the assembly plant, working closely with cross-functional teams to enforce in-process quality assurance as per standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
5. Monitor and analyse daily internal rejection rates; proactively initiate corrective and preventive actions to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
6. Collaborate effectively with the field and application teams to manage and resolve customer complaints promptly, targeting zero-defect and low MIS score outcomes.
7. Ensure strict compliance with Quality Management Systems (QMS), supporting their effective implementation across manufacturing operations, and promote ongoing improvement initiatives to address routine quality challenges.
8. Perform regular process audits and data monitoring using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies to verify adherence to defined processes and standards.
9. Utilise structured problem-solving techniques including 8D and QC story methodologies to investigate issues, interpret engineering drawings, and analyse rejection data to drive root cause resolution.
10. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry quality standards such as ISO 9001 and TS 16949, ensuring consistent application of relevant quality formats and documentation.
11. Work in close partnership with cross-functional teams (CFT) to ensure alignment with assembly quality requirements, facilitating seamless execution of quality strategies.
12. Oversee the application of assembly processes as per technical drawings and SOPs, guaranteeing delivery of defect-free products to customers.
13. Proactively identify process gaps and quality concerns, implementing timely corrective measures in coordination with CFT to enhance manufacturing effectiveness.
14. Manage and control the Engineering Change Management Process to maintain product integrity and facilitate smooth transitions during product updates.
15. Play a key role in the launch activities for new models and variants, ensuring quality parameters are met from day one.
16. Conduct daily audits focusing on Critical to Quality (CTQ) parameters and zero (Z) stage audits to maintain stringent adherence to quality benchmarks.
17. Establish initial Process Capability indices (Pp/Ppk) and consistently monitor ongoing capability (Cp/Cpk) to ensure process stability and capability improvement over time.

This role demands a meticulous approach to quality management within the automotive assembly environment, with an emphasis on collaboration, continuous improvement, and adherence to global industry standards.

Experience

The ideal candidate will possess between three and eight years of progressive experience in quality assurance roles within automotive assembly or related manufacturing sectors. Proven expertise in managing quality processes, audits, and corrective actions in a high-volume assembly environment is essential.

Experience working with Body-in-White, Paint, and Assembly processes, accompanied by practical knowledge of automotive quality standards and methodologies such as MPPAP, FMEA, SPC, and ISO/TS frameworks, is highly desirable.

Demonstrated capability in using structured problem-solving tools such as 8D and QC Story to analyse quality data and resolve complex process issues successfully will be required.

Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers to achieve comprehensive quality improvements should be evident.

Experience in Engineering Change Management and new product launches within an automotive or manufacturing environment is considered a valuable asset.

Industry Preferred

Preferred candidates will come from industries including but not limited to automotive manufacturing, automotive component assembly, and related heavy manufacturing sectors. These industries provide relevant exposure to quality assurance practices, vehicle assembly processes, and the stringent requirements of automotive quality management systems.

Experience in companies focused on high-volume vehicle production, BIW fabrication, paint shops, and assembly line quality assurance is particularly advantageous.

Exposure to companies with strong adherence to ISO 9001, IATF 16949 standards, or equivalent automotive quality certifications will be beneficial to ensuring seamless integration into our quality organisation.

Qualifications

The position requires a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering, from a recognised university or institute.

Educational credentials must demonstrate strong foundational knowledge in mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and automotive engineering principles.

Certifications related to quality management systems (such as Six Sigma, Lean, or automotive-specific quality certifications) would be considered an asset to strengthen expertise in quality assurance processes.

General Requirements

• Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to quality control and process improvement.
• Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, process sheets, and quality data to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to emerging quality management techniques and industry standards.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills necessary to drive quality initiatives across multiple departments.
• Willingness to engage in daily audits, inspections, and quality assessments, ensuring consistent application of configured quality protocols.
• Strong organizational skills with the capability to manage Engineering Change Management tasks and launch procedures efficiently.
• Familiarity with digital quality tracking tools and data analysis software is desirable.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, fostering an inclusive work environment is fundamental to our success. We actively champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles by creating spaces where all team members feel respected and valued regardless of background.

Our commitment ensures that recruitment, development, and workplace culture nurture individuals from all communities, embracing differences that contribute to innovative thinking and problem-solving.

We operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming applications from candidates regardless of age, race, gender identity, physical ability, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to remove barriers and provide equal access to opportunities for every team member.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values your unique contributions and supports your professional growth within an environment dedicated to fairness and respect.

Together, we build a future enriched through diverse voices and inclusive practices.