Senior Automotive Projects Quality Manager | Telematics

We are building an Automotive OEM supplier division and looking for an experienced Quality Manager to lead the planning and execution of quality activities throughout the development and launch of automotive-grade telematics and OEM hardware products. This role owns quality throughout the project lifecycle; from initial customer requirements through APQP phases, PPAP submission, and into serial production; ensuring compliance with automotive quality standards, customer-specific requirements, and internal product development processes.

The successful candidate will drive quality planning, risk management, APQP execution, PPAP readiness, supplier quality coordination, and production launch activities throughout the product lifecycle. Working closely with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and OEM customers, you will ensure that quality is embedded into every gate of the process where products are developed using a robust, risk-based approach that supports successful customer launches and long-term product reliability.

In this role, you will:

• Act as the Quality Lead for assigned automotive OEM hardware and telematics development projects, owning the quality workstream from kickoff through PPAP approval and launch

• Drive APQP execution throughout the complete product development lifecycle, ensuring all five phases are completed with proper evidence and documentation

• Lead and facilitate automotive core tools execution (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA) in coordination with engineering

• Represent quality in project gate reviews and design reviews, providing risk assessments and go/no-go recommendations

• Coordinate project risk assessments and drive proactive defect prevention activities

• Review validation strategies, test plans, and verification activities to ensure customer and regulatory compliance

• Coordinate PPAP submissions, including customer-specific requirements, and drive approval to closure

• Serve as the primary quality interface for customers during development and launch phases

• Track and report project quality KPIs (e.g., open issues, PPAP status, audit findings) to leadership and customers

• Lead problem-solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D and Root Cause Analysis

• Support internal and external audits, ensuring project documentation is audit-ready and compliant with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements

• Support supplier quality activities, including supplier APQP and PPAP readiness for new component introductions

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across development, quality, and launch processes

What we expect from you:

• 5+ years of experience in Automotive Quality, Project Quality or New Product Development

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Electronics, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Risk Management methodologies

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems

• Proven experience working with OEM or Tier-1 automotive customers

• Strong understanding of automotive development processes and quality standards
• Experience supporting hardware-based products (electronics, telematics, connectivity, IoT, or embedded systems)
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize under deadline pressure

• Strong documentation and reporting skills; comfortable presenting quality status to leadership

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional and international project teams

• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Strong Advantages:

• Experience with automotive telematics, connectivity solutions, gateways, tracking devices, or embedded electronic hardware

• Direct experience with OEM/Tier 1 customer quality requirements, leading customer audits, assessments, and quality reviews

• Experience managing quality activities throughout the complete product development lifecycle, within an APQP-driven framework

• Experience building or improving a formal project quality framework (not just executing an existing one)

• Certified IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor

• VDA 6.3 Auditor qualification

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project management certification

• Knowledge of Automotive SPICE (ASPICE), Functional Safety (ISO 26262), or Cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434)

• Experience with supplier development and supplier quality management

• Experience working in a start-up or scale-up environment where you have built processes from scratch

What we offer:

• Great opportunities to grow in a strong and rapidly expanding company.

• Interesting and ambitious projects of industrial GPS tracking devices.

• Place where curiosity is key: here, we share knowledge and learn in training courses.

• Dynamic, challenging work environment and cooperation–based internal culture.

• Care about your emotional and physical well–being by offering flexible work schedules and health insurance.

• Company–paid sports activities (basketball, football, volleyball, yoga) and other sports events.

• Celebrating achievements and having fun together in team building, summer festivals, and other important occasions.

• Opportunity for solid bonuses when participating in the recommendation program.

• We delight with birthday and Christmas gifts and rewards on work anniversaries.

• Office snacks.

Salary:

We appreciate everyone's efforts and experiences, so we offer an attractive salary matching your skillset and field expertise. The salary for this position ranges from 24 Eur/h up to 28 Eur/h (~4032 Eur - 4704 Eur) pre–tax, depending on your experience and expertise, with the option to get quarterly bonuses.

*In an employment agreement, we specify and define a fixed (tariff) hourly salary rate before taxes.