Senior Quality Assurance Specialist

About the role

As a pioneer in our new Manufacturing Quality Strategy, you will lead the dedicated Quality Assurance function at our Albergaria plant. Acting as the Voice of the Customer, you will shift the plant from reactive problem‑solving to a proactive prevention culture, ensuring alignment with central quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Implement the central QA governance model, separating QA (prevention) from QC (testing) and reporting quality KPIs to European leadership.
• Lead cross‑functional root‑cause investigations, analyse warranty data and drive sustainable corrective actions using 8D methodology.
• Conduct risk‑based process audits (Layered Process Audits, VDA 6.3) and translate findings into systemic improvements.
• Act as an independent quality firewall, escalating issues that threaten customer safety or brand reputation.
• Promote “Quality at the Source” on the shop floor, coaching teams in Ishikawa, 5‑Why and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Prepare monthly quality performance reviews, highlighting risks, trends and progress on improvement projects.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Management or as a Quality Engineer.
• Strong analytical mindset with structured problem‑solving skills.
• Assertive, diplomatic communicator able to influence decisions at all levels.
• Ability to work independently in a newly created, high‑autonomy function.
• Fluent in English and Portuguese.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering.

Required skills

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• VDA 6.3 knowledge or certification.
• Root‑cause analysis methods (8D, Ishikawa, 5‑Why, Fault Tree Analysis).
• Process auditing techniques (Layered Process Audits, VDA 6.3).
• English language proficiency.
• Portuguese language proficiency.