Customer Quality Assurance Manager - Automotive

A global automotive connectivity technology manufacturer is seeking a Customer Quality Assurance Manager to lead customer quality assurance for automotive connectors and electronic connection components at department-head level.

Based at the Kakegawa site or Chubu Branch, you will manage quality relationships with automotive OEM and Tier 1 customers, lead investigations into customer-reported defects, and coordinate corrective and preventive actions with domestic and overseas manufacturing sites.

This role combines automotive quality assurance, customer quality management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement. You will also strengthen quality management systems across manufacturing operations while collaborating with international engineers and factories. Domestic and international business travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead customer quality assurance activities for automotive connectors and electronic connection components.
• Manage quality-related relationships and communication with automotive OEM and Tier 1 customers.
• Lead investigations into customer-reported defects and quality concerns.
• Coordinate root cause analysis with relevant teams at domestic and overseas manufacturing sites.
• Develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurring quality issues.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of quality investigation reports and corrective action plans to automotive customers.
• Collaborate with overseas engineers to resolve complex quality issues and strengthen manufacturing quality.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across domestic and international manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure quality issues are resolved effectively and within required timelines.
• Improve, update, and maintain headquarters' quality management system regulations.
• Support stronger quality standards and processes across the manufacturing organization.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• At least 3 years of management experience within an automotive quality department.
• Practical experience handling quality issues and customer relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams to investigate defects, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Experience in automotive quality assurance, customer quality, or related manufacturing quality functions.
• University or technical college degree in engineering or a related scientific field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage relevant teams and drive quality improvements.
• Clear communication and negotiation skills when working with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive approach to identifying quality problems and developing effective solutions.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across departments and international locations.
• Analytical problem-solving skills for investigating complex manufacturing and customer quality issues.
• Perseverance and initiative to drive corrective actions through to completion.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Practical experience planning and implementing quality assurance plans for new products, including APQP.
• Knowledge and practical application of IATF 16949 automotive quality management requirements.
• QC Certification Level 3 or higher.
• Experience working with automotive connectors, electronic components, or related automotive products.
• Experience collaborating with overseas factories and engineering teams.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations.

About the Company

A global leader in connectivity technology and automotive electronic components, developing automotive connectors and connection solutions that support vehicle electrification, autonomous driving, safety, and reliability.

With an established presence in Japan, the company combines international engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and environmentally conscious production.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Join a global connectivity technology leader supporting automotive electrification, autonomous driving, and vehicle safety.
• Take on department-head responsibilities with significant influence over customer quality and manufacturing improvements.
• Build expertise across automotive quality assurance, customer quality, APQP, IATF 16949, and continuous improvement.
• Work directly with automotive OEM and Tier 1 customers on important quality initiatives.
• Gain international experience through collaboration with overseas factories and engineers.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives across domestic and international manufacturing operations.
• Enjoy flexible working hours and 129-131 annual holidays.
• Access retirement allowances, employee savings plans, meal allowances, and transportation support.
• Benefit from flexible work arrangements, including remote work/WFH where applicable, casual clothing, minimal overtime, and flex time.

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