Director, Quality (Growth)
Wabash
Date: 1 day ago
City: Lafayette, IN
Contract type: Full time

About the Role:
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Quality, the Director of Quality will be the strategic leader and subject matter expert for their assigned Product Group. They will influence quality strategy at all levels of the organization through collaboration across functions to align execution with business KPI’s. They will facilitate our zero-defect customer experience by driving transformational changes to, and the execution of our Wabash QMS. This role will thrive through the creation of a high-performance culture and teams. Up to 25% travel will be required.
Your Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Change Management
At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:
Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Quality, the Director of Quality will be the strategic leader and subject matter expert for their assigned Product Group. They will influence quality strategy at all levels of the organization through collaboration across functions to align execution with business KPI’s. They will facilitate our zero-defect customer experience by driving transformational changes to, and the execution of our Wabash QMS. This role will thrive through the creation of a high-performance culture and teams. Up to 25% travel will be required.
Your Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Change Management
- Develop and execute strategic quality initiatives aligned with the Voice of Customer (VoC) and value stream targets.
- Drive the evolution of quality systems, processes, and culture through disciplined change management.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of our Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM) methodologies.
- Implement and utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) as needed to monitor and enhance manufacturing processes.
- Conduct robust root cause analyses to identify, resolve, and prevent quality issues at multiple levels.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and standards specific to the manufacturing industry.
- Collaborate with Engineering and other stakeholders to align regulatory strategies and maintain compliance.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing quality team, fostering a culture of innovation and professional growth.
- Set performance goals, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
- Develop a robust succession plan to ensure long-term team and organizational success.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service, to integrate quality initiatives.
- Represent the Quality function in key business decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational values and leadership principles.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and key action indicators (KAIs) to measure the effectiveness of quality initiatives.
- Utilize data analytics, including SPC data, to inform decisions and drive quality improvements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record in leading large-scale quality transformations and change initiatives.
- Strong expertise in IATF/ISO Quality Systems, APQP quality processes, and ASTM standards.
- Proficiency in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to drive a high-performance culture through accountability, influence, and strategic vision.
At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:
- Embrace Diversity and Inclusion – Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness
- Seek to Listen – Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions
- Always Learn – Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo
- Be Authentic – Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do
- Win Together – Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:
Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.
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