Our client, Exide Technologies, is a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions for both automotive and industrial applications. With over 130 years of history, a strong international presence, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company provides cutting-edge technologies that support future mobility and meet the evolving energy needs of customers worldwide.
For its Italian plant—an important strategic hub within the Group—we have been retained to search for a high-caliber professional to take on the role of:
Quality Manager
Main responsibilities
The selected candidate will report directly to the Plant Manager and in dotted line to the Group Quality Director and will lead a team within the Quality department. They will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a robust Quality Management System, aligned with corporate objectives and international standards. The position requires a proactive approach to Total Quality Management, covering process and product audits, supplier quality, internal controls, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will act as both Management and Customer Representative for quality-related matters and will interface with various internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and certification bodies. The successful candidate will be a key promoter of quality culture across all functions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as Management Representative for the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring its effective implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
- Act as Customer Representative, ensuring all customer requirements are met, including quality planning, training, and corrective/preventive actions.
- Lead and coordinate Quality teams: Laboratory, Internal Quality, Customer Quality, Supplier Quality, and Quality Systems.
- Ensure quality compliance of raw materials, components, and finished goods throughout all production stages.
- Manage supplier quality through audits, KPIs, and structured improvement plans.
- Oversee the resolution of internal and external quality claims.
- Ensure alignment of local quality systems with Group standards (BMS) and foster widespread awareness within the plant.
- Prepare for and lead internal and external audits (second and third party), and manage certifications.
- Support product and process homologation activities.
- Monitor and report plant-level Quality KPIs, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, FMEA, 8D, and APQP methodologies.
- Promote quality training and cultural development across the organization.
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards for the managed team (in accordance with Italian D.Lgs 81/08).
Candidate profile
Candidate Profile
- University degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Physics, Chemistry, or related disciplines.
- Proven background in leading the quality function in a manufacturing environment with multiple complex manufacturing disciplines (not necessarily in a Battery Plant). Automotive background is recommended.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken, is essential.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to driving change and delivering measurable results.
- Customer-focused and operationally agile.
- Strategic thinker with an understanding of key business success factors.
- Proactive mindset with a passion for promoting innovation and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Team-oriented with the ability to build and lead cross-functional relationships.
- Capable of developing, managing, and motivating high-performing teams.
Location
Romano di Lombardia (BG)