Quality Head

Job Description

1. Quality Strategy & Governance

KRA Objective : Define and align the quality roadmap with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Define the quality vision, mission, and KPIs across the product lifecycle

Documented QMS framework and strategic quality plan

Establish a robust QMS (ISO 9001, BIS, in-house standards) tailored to small-scale but high-mix production

QMS implementation scorecard, ISO certification

Develop short-, mid-, and long-term quality goals linked to business needs

Quarterly quality reviews and improvement scorecards

Chair internal MRM (Management Review Meetings) on Quality performance

action closure from MRM

2. Incoming Material & Supplier Quality Management

KRA Objective : Ensure defect-free materials / components from suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Develop and implement IQC procedures for critical components (motors, heating elements, plastics, electronics)

Incoming rejection rate

Conduct regular supplier audits and quality ratings

suppliers above “preferred” rating

Implement APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality agreements where applicable

of suppliers with signed QMS agreements

Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives (e.g., capacity building for mold tolerances, packaging improvements)

Supplier defect recurrence

3. In-Process Quality Control

KRA Objective : Eliminate process-level defects and ensure first-time right manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Define and monitor critical control points (CCPs) in assembly and sub-assembly processes

Defect trend tracking and reduction (monthly)

Deploy control plans, SOPs, and work instructions on shop floor

compliance during process audits

Implement Poka-Yoke / mistake-proofing mechanisms at critical failure points

Number of defects avoided via Poka-Yoke

Run statistical process control (SPC) and capability studies

Cp, Cpk improvement in key processes

4. Finished Goods Quality & Reliability

KRA Objective : Ensure 100% compliance of final products before dispatch.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Conduct AQL-based batch testing and 100% inspection where required

Final QC pass rate >

99.5%

Implement endurance, load, and stress tests as per product type (e.g., heating cycles for kettles)

Product MTBF, reliability test data

Drive first-pass yield improvement across lines

FPY >

Handle pre-dispatch inspections, customer inspections, and QA certifications

Zero dispatch delays due to QA

5. Customer Quality & Field Feedback Loop

KRA Objective : Close the loop from field failures to factory improvements.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Lead failure analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone) on warranty returns and customer complaints

RCA closure within 5 working days

Integrate field failure data into design and manufacturing corrections

design changes driven by field feedback

Coordinate with customer care / service teams to identify recurring issues

Repeat complaint rate

Support recall management and CAPA in case of regulatory or safety concerns

100% compliant recall closure if any

6. Compliance, Testing, and Certifications

KRA Objective : Ensure full compliance with domestic regulations and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Ensure adherence to BIS standards, safety norms, and energy efficiency requirements

100% certified SKUs

Maintain and calibrate in-house testing labs for mechanical, thermal, and electrical safety

Up-time of lab equipment >

Prepare for and handle third-party inspections and regulatory audits (e.g., ISI / BIS)

Zero non-conformance in BIS audit

Lead internal product validation protocols for new and modified designs

100% test plan execution for NPD

7. Cost of Quality (CoQ) & Continuous Improvement

KRA Objective : Reduce costs arising from poor quality while driving systemic improvement.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Track and reduce internal and external failure costs

CoQ as % of sales

Implement Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, TPM initiatives in production and QC

Number of initiatives closed / month

Lead cross-functional quality improvement projects (e.g., joint projects with production, R&D)

project goals achieved

Benchmark and introduce best practices from competitors and industry

Continuous improvement maturity score

8. Team Development & Quality Culture

KRA Objective : Build a high-performing team and culture of ownership.

Key Responsibilities

KPIs / Deliverables

Build and train a strong quality team at all levels (IQC, IPQC, QA, Lab)

Training hours per person / month

Conduct regular quality awareness workshops across departments

employees trained

Define clear KRAs for team members, with review mechanisms

goal achievement in performance reviews

Promote cross-departmental ownership of quality – not just within QA / QC

of projects with cross-functional involvement