Apqp Program Manager Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:
Nelson Global engineers, manufactures, and distributes clean and efficient Air & Fluid Transfer, NVH, Complex Structural, Acoustic, and Thermal Management Solutions. Nelson Global partners with the world's leading OEMs. With 22 global manufacturing and distribution facilities and unparalleled engineering and innovation capabilities, Nelson Global provides mission critical solutions with the highest degree of reliability at the lowest cost. Our dedication to serving our employees, partners, and the planet responsibly is realized across three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and governance. By empowering our people, reducing waste, and developing innovative and efficient systems, we support the communities and resources that spur the industries and technologies of the future.
Position Overview:
The Quality Manager is responsible for the performance of the plant, including plant and customer KPIs. This role leads the team in identifying issues, driving systemic corrective actions, and preventing defects through strong process control and daily management.
The primary focus is on ensuring consistent quality, minimizing risk, and meeting customer expectations.
Primary Responsibilities & Duties:

• Lead the daily quality operations and ensure consistency across all shifts
• Drive improvements for both the plant and customer quality performance (PPM, KPIs)
• Lead resolution of customer issues through timely and effective corrective actions (8D/A3)
• Drive systemic problem solving to prevent recurrence of issues
• Ensure effective containment and decrease the need for sorting and rework
• Establish and maintain process controls, including Control Plans, PFMEA, and work instructions
• Ensure effective inspection, testing, and calibration systems are in place
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities for both new and existing programs
• Drive supplier quality performance and ensure timely response to issues
• Maintain internal, customer, and third-party audits for IATF compliance
• Maintain quality systems, including document control and procedures
• Monitor and report quality metrics to support data-driven decisions
• Provide guidance and development for team members regarding quality processes and expectations
• Facilitate communication between departments and shifts from a cross-functional perspective
• Ensure adherence to QMS and IATF requirements across all processes
• Function as the voice of the customer within the plant and represent plant quality performance to customers
• Promote a strong quality culture focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality assurance, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 - 8 years of experience in manufacturing quality, including leadership responsibility
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, QMS, 8D, and all core quality documents (PFMEA, Control Plans)
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and overseeing quality issues
• Demonstrated skill in leading problem-solving and driving corrective actions
• Experience in commercial vehicle and off-highway OEM environments (e.g., Caterpillar, Cummins, Volvo, or similar)

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with ability to drive accountability and results
• Proven skill in problem solving (8D, A3, root cause analysis)
• Ability to drive systemic corrective actions, not just containment
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers and manage relationships
• Ability to work with operations, engineering, and suppliers in a cross-functional manner
• Data-driven mindset with focus on analysis and trend identification
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and execute in a challenging environment
• Experience developing and coaching teams
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills
• Expert in Microsoft Office and Minitab

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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