Inspection Manager

Job Summary:

The Inspection Manager is responsible for overseeing inspection policy implementation, in-line and final vehicle quality management, and failure prevention efforts. This role leads inspection operations, including safety management, team development, and labor planning, while setting operational targets and monitoring inspection progress. The manager drives continuous improvement, collaborates cross-functionally to resolve quality issues, and ensures documentation and audit compliance. Through effective planning and communication, the position supports stable production and enhanced inspection capabilities aligned with organizational goals.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day inspection operations, ensuring consistent execution and resolution of non-conformance issues

• Develop and implement inspection policies aligned with safety and regulatory requirements

• Drive quality assurance efforts to prevent defect recurrence and support process reliability

• Oversee team development, labor planning, and performance management for the inspection section

• Monitor departmental KPIs, set KGIs, and apply PDCA cycles to achieve continuous improvement

• Analyze inspection data to identify trends, drive quality enhancements, and support decision-making

• Coordinate cross-functionally to maintain seamless inspection workflows and quick issue resolution

• Implement and maintain inspection technologies and ensure accuracy and calibration

• Ensure readiness for internal and external audits and compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO standards

• Lead budget planning and cost optimization for inspection-related activities

• Perform other duties as required to support operational and organizational goals

Required Education, Training & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience.

• 10+ in automotive manufacturing; auto industry experience preferred

• 5+ years in a management level role

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of automotive assembly and inspection processes

• Basic automotive technical knowledge; commercial vehicle knowledge desirable

• Good understanding of the complete vehicle and components

• Strong understanding of quality management systems (QMS), including statistical quality methods

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

• Understand TPM principles

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and business communication tools

• Ability to understand/read related assembly and quality documents, part drawings, and print specifications

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

• Ability to adapt to frequently changing priorities

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, and

varying temperatures

• Ability to climb, bend, reach, stand for extended periods, or occasionally lift materials (up to 25 lbs) as needed for operational oversight

• Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, glasses, and

hearing protection in designated areas

• Must be available to work flexible hours as needed for production support

Management Accountabilities:

Champions a culture of safety by ensuring all operations are conducted in full compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Promotes accountability and continuous improvement in safety practices at all levels.

Interprets and executes policies that typically affect subordinate organizational units.

Recommend modifications to operating policies.

Responsible for managing staff function or heads a centralized functional activity.

Accomplishes results through lower levels of supervision or through experienced exempt levels of employees who exercise significant latitude and independence in their assignments.

Monitors work operations on a daily basis and actively assists, or provides direction to, subordinates as required.

May perform, especially in staff or professional groups, ongoing tasks of organizational units.

Frequent contacts with inter-organizational and outside customer representatives at various management levels concerning operations or scheduling of specific phases of projects or contracts.

Conducts briefings and participates in technical meetings for internal and external representatives concerning specific operations.