Compliance Lead

A growing manufacturing organization serving highly regulated industries is seeking an experienced Compliance Lead to oversee quality and compliance systems related to IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, internal audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will serve as a key driver of organizational compliance, quality system effectiveness, and operational excellence across the business. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive quality standards, compliance management, auditing, and cross-functional leadership. This on-site position offers the opportunity to influence company-wide processes and contribute to ongoing business growth and customer satisfaction. ## Key Responsibilities of the Compliance Lead: ### Compliance & Quality Systems 1. Oversee and maintain compliance programs aligned with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other applicable quality standards. 2. Ensure quality management systems remain effective, compliant, and audit-ready. 3. Monitor regulatory and customer-specific requirements and implement necessary updates. ### Auditing & Certification 1. Develop and manage internal audit schedules and audit activities. 2. Lead initiatives supporting continued compliance with IATF 16949 certification requirements. 3. Coordinate preparation for external, certification, and customer audits. 4. Identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions to address findings. ### Training & Employee Engagement 1. Develop and facilitate compliance and quality-related training programs. 2. Promote awareness of quality standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements throughout the organization. 3. Support employee development related to quality management principles and best practices. ### Customer & Stakeholder Support 1. Manage customer-specific requirements and ensure alignment across departments. 2. Coordinate customer surveys, quality inquiries, and compliance-related requests. 3. Serve as a key point of contact for quality system and compliance matters. ### Continuous Improvement 1. Lead and support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives. 2. Facilitate root cause investigations and problem-solving activities. 3. Drive KPI-focused improvement projects that enhance quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. 4. Collaborate with teams to advance Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives. ### Risk Management & Collaboration 1. Assess compliance-related risks and develop mitigation strategies. 2. Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other functional teams to ensure a cohesive approach to compliance and quality. 3. Provide regular compliance and performance reporting to leadership. ## Travel 1. Occasional travel required (typically less than 5%) for training, audits, conferences, or business meetings. ## Qualifications of the Compliance Lead: 1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related discipline required 2. 7+ years of experience in quality systems, compliance, or quality management. 3. Demonstrated leadership experience within a manufacturing environment. 4. Extensive knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Automotive Core Tools required 5. Experience with quality management software such as CAQ, Q-Studio, or similar platforms. 6. Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. 7. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering measurable results. 8. Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities. 9. Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification preferred 10. Experience leading customer audits and certification activities preferred 11. Background supporting automotive manufacturing environments preferred 12. Experience working directly with customers and managing quality-related business relationships preferred ## Knowledge, Skills & Comp tencies 1. Strong understanding of quality management systems and regulatory compliance. 2. Excellent organizational and project management skills. 3. Ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions. 4. Experience working cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 5. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. 6. Ability to drive change, influence stakeholders, and foster accountability. 7. Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence. 8. Proficiency in audit processes, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and performance metrics. ## Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to play a critical role in shaping and strengthening a growing organization's quality and compliance culture. You'll work alongside collaborative teams, influence strategic initiatives, and help ensure world-class quality standards while driving continuous improvement throughout the business.