Quality & Audit Readiness Project Lead

About the Opportunity

Bead Electronics manufactures precision contact pins for customers across automotive, industrial, and other demanding applications. We are seeking an experienced quality professional to lead preparation for a customer audit and help strengthen the processes that support ongoing quality performance.

This assignment is well-suited to a former or recently retired Quality Manager, Automotive Quality Leader, or Continuous Improvement Lead who enjoys hands-on work, brings structure to complex projects, and can help a small manufacturing team make meaningful progress within a defined timeframe. This is not a consulting role. This person will need to be involved in execution of the project goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead audit preparation, establishing a clear project plan with priorities, owners, deadlines, and regular progress updates.
• Assess current practices against customer audit requirements, applicable automotive quality requirements, and internal procedures.
• Identify gaps, prioritize risks, and work with Quality, Manufacturing, and leadership to implement and verify corrective actions.
• Review and improve procedures, work instructions, quality records, and supporting audit evidence.
• Evaluate alignment among process flow diagrams, process FMEAs, control plans, and shop-floor practices.
• Review relevant PPAP documentation, measurement system studies, process capability data, and statistical process controls.
• Conduct internal assessments and mock audits; coach employees on explaining their processes and demonstrating compliance.
• Apply root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods to address recurring issues.
• Support the customer audit and coordinate follow-up responses and corrective actions.
• Leave the team with clear ownership, practical tools, and sustainable processes after the assignment ends.
  

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Quality Manager, Continuous Improvement Lead, or comparable manufacturing quality leader.
• Strong working knowledge of automotive quality systems, including IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
• Demonstrated success preparing manufacturing operations for automotive customer audits and closing audit findings.
• Hands-on experience with automotive quality core tools: APQP, control plans, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.
• Experience with corrective action, root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving, such as 8D and 5 Whys.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to drive action across departments without direct supervisory authority.
• A practical, collaborative approach and willingness to work directly with employees on the manufacturing floor.

Preferred Qualifications

• IATF 16949 internal or lead auditor training or certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and implementing measurable process improvements.
• Experience in precision component manufacturing, metal forming, or automotive supplier operations.
• Familiarity with IQMS or similar manufacturing ERP systems.

What Success Looks Like

A team prepared to demonstrate its processes confidently, priority gaps addressed with verified evidence, well-organized audit documentation, and clear ownership of any remaining actions. The goal is both successful audit preparation and improvements the team can sustain.