Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. Looking for Head of Quality Management Systems (St. Thomas) at Ontario, Canada Full Time

We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen

We are currently looking for a Head of Quality Management Systems based out of St. Thomas, ON

Our mission has started. Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory in St. Thomas will carry out all battery activities – from processing raw materials to developing a unified Volkswagen battery to managing the European and North American gigafactories. Headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, we are experiencing the transformation of mobility up close. Our goal is to contribute a positive impact to our global society, the environment and the economy. To reach these goals we need your POWER!

For the ramp-up phase of our North American operations we are looking for a Head of Quality Management who thrives in fast-paced and fast-changing environments. Temporarily reporting to the Senior Director – Finance, you will work closely with the PowerCo Quality Management team at our Headquarters in Germany as well as colleagues from the Volkswagen Group of Canada in Ajax, ON to establish the North American division of the new company, and oversee and direct all quality-management activities and its team.

• This is a flex hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 3 days in office**

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the quality management representative of the Battery Plant in St. Thomas
• Build a local Quality Team including hiring, onboarding and mentoring new team members.
• Develop, implement and maintain the local company-wide integrated management system according to IATF 16949.
• Responsible for creating the local quality manual following the company’s the quality strategy, policies and targets
• Ensure the documentation of all local processes within a digital QM Tool
• Provide guidance and support to the local departments in defining and establishing quality-compliant processes
• Prepare and deliver local company-wide QM training and education concepts
• Ensure the certification capability of the local company according to IATF 16949 and the applicable environmental, health & safety requirements
• Develop and implement a local Corporate Quality strategy
• Execute internal quality audits
• Plan and monitor local external certification audits
• Identify and manage process and quality-related risks, including conducting risk assessments and developing risk mitigation strategies
• Develop and manage local quality management budgets
• Allocate local resources to support quality initiatives
• Develop training programs to ensure employees understand and adhere to quality standards and procedures
• Responsible for training production employees and getting them up to speed

Primary Location

Canada-Ontario

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering or related field and/or equivalent relevant work experience
• 5+ years’ quality management experience, preferably in a multi-national company, and 5+ years’ supervisory experience
• Strong understanding of battery materials and cells, as well as the cell manufacturing processes
• Solid knowledge of the normative basics of the automotive or chemical industry (ideally certification as an auditor)
• 5+ years’ experience in quality management and key performance indicator systems
• 5+ years’ experience in the field of electromobility and the battery cell is considered an asset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven decision-making abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others and communicate with teams across the organization
• Ability to travel within Ontario, as well as internationally (~30-40%)
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe, when necessary
• Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines

What You’ll Get In Return

• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic
• Opportunities for development
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package
• And much more!

Interested applicants are asked to submit their application by October 20, 2023

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during all phases of the hiring process including the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate accommodation.