DGM/ Manager- Quality (End of Line OR Finished Product)

Position / Role: DGM/ Manager- Quality- EOL & Finished goods

Function: Manufacturing Quality

Location: Sanand

About Us:

Agratas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons. We design, develop and manufacture high-quality, high-performance, sustainable batteries applied to multiple use cases in the mobility and energy sectors, to match our customers’ requirements.

Agratas is a scale-up business with a start-up mentality, driven by our pursuit of green growth and technological progress.

We develop next-generation battery technologies at our state-of-the-art R&D Innovation Hubs in India and the UK.

Position Overview:

As the outgoing quality manager, You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the final product quality of EV battery packs meets or exceeds customer expectations. This position oversees various aspects of quality control processes, from final product validation and approval to addressing customer complaints, ensuring homologation and regulatory compliance, and managing Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) laboratories. The role requires expertise in quality management systems, customer relationship management, stakeholder management,regulatory compliance, laboratory management, and continuous improvement methodologies.

you will oversee a team comprising Supervisors, Engineers, and Technicians. Your responsibilities will also entail active participation in collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing both product quality and manufacturing processes, spanning from the introduction of new products to the conclusion of their life cycles.

Responsibilities:

Final Product Quality Approval and Validation:

Lead final product quality approval and validation processes during Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) or change management initiatives.

Ensure compliance with customer specifications and quality standards through rigorous testing and validation procedures.

Customer Batches Monitoring and Control:

Monitor and control customer batches to ensure consistency and conformity to quality requirements.

Validate product quality through batch-specific inspections and testing protocols.

Set up and Manage shipment control processes, both during product launch and in response to reactive situations.

Homologation Requirements Coordination:

Coordinate with regulatory agencies and certification bodies to ensure compliance with homologation requirements for battery packs in target markets.

Stay updated on regulatory changes and evolving standards related to EV battery homologation and certification processes.

Manage the homologation process from initial application to final approval,Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering and regulatory affairs, to gather necessary documentation and data for homologation submissions.

Outgoing Quality Control Laboratories Management:

Manage all activities within the Outgoing Quality Control Laboratories and final inspection area.

Identify and recommend best testing equipment contributing to the design of the labs based on requirements, including final inspection equipment (e.g., Ultrasound sensors, X-ray, CT scans, etc).

Implement thorough control plans and test procedures for products and materials during EOL and final product.

Team Management and Supervision:

Manage a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians in the OQC lab.

Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to ensure effective performance and adherence to quality standards.

Analytical Testing and Non-Conformities Management:

Assist the team with the running of analytical tests on a variety of chemical and mechanical instruments.

Ensure that non-conformities concerning final product deviations are reported and addressed immediately, following up on corrective and improvement actions.

Continuous Improvement and Compliance:

Continuously improve the way the team works and performs analysis to improve efficiency.

Ensure that SOPs and WIs are being followed and updated regularly.

Actively participate in cross-functional teams during the launch of new products and processes.

Participate in Process FMEA analysis and implement robust detection and prevention controls.

Plan for Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies together with internal teams.

Participate in the change management process as a representative of OQC.

Performance Management and Communication:

Ensure that targets and metrics are deployed and managed appropriately, along with action plans to address possible variations.

Communicate priorities to the team, ensuring that expectations and responsibilities are clear.

Team Leadership:

Build and lead a high-performing quality assurance team.

Provide training and development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.

A minimum of 12 years of experience in automotive (EV or ICE) industry and/or a tier 1

Extensive experience in quality management within the automotive or EV industry.

Strong understanding of quality management systems (IATF 16949) and quality control methodologies.

Experience in developing and implementing quality assurance processes, inspection procedures, and testing protocols.

Proficiency in root cause analysis techniques, problem-solving methodologies, and corrective action implementation. Six sigma BB preferred.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.

Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to motivate and mentor team members to achieve quality objectives.

Detail-oriented mindset with a passion for driving continuous improvement and ensuring the highest standards of product quality and customer satisfaction.

Desired Characteristics:

Team Player

Conflict Management

Self-motivated and go-getter

High on energy

Process and system driven.

Structured in problem solving.

Passion for excellence and zero defects.