IATF QMS Implementation Lead

At YASA, we're helping shape the future of clean mobility through world-leading electric motor technology. As part of Mercedes-Benz, we combine the agility, curiosity and pioneering spirit of a scale-up with the strength and ambition of a global automotive leader. Our success is built on talented people who work together to solve complex problems, challenge assumptions and continuously improve. We're ambitious about our goals, but equally committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and trusted to do their best work. Whether you're in engineering, manufacturing or a business function, you'll be part of a team where your contribution matters, and where great ideas can come from anyone, are encouraged, and can make a real difference.

YASA holds ISO 9001 certification and is embarking on a structured transition to IATF 16949, the international quality management standard for the automotive supply chain. This is not a documentation exercise. The objective is a fully embedded, cross-functionally owned Quality Management System that meets IATF 16949 requirements and genuinely improves how we operate.

We are seeking an experienced QMS Implementation Lead (not a gap auditor) who can assess our current state, architect the future-state QMS, and drive cross-functional ownership through the business until certification is achieved. The right person will have done this before in a manufacturing or engineering environment, will be comfortable challenging existing ways of working, and will leave behind a system that the business understands and owns.

YASA is simultaneously implementing Ideagen as its QMS platform. This is not a separate project - it is integrated into the IATF programme and the contractor will be expected to engage with it directly, ensuring that any / all process changes during Ideagen implementation are IATF compliant. The sequencing of Ideagen configuration is a critical risk area that this role must actively manage.

The contractor will be expected to support production of the QMS architecture document during Ideagen implementation. The contractor must therefore coordinate actively with the Ideagen implementation team to ensure both workstreams remain aligned

This role IS:

· A QMS architect — designing an integrated system for IATF 16949 from the ground up

· A cross-functional change driver — building genuine process ownership across the business

· An Ideagen sequencing guardian — ensuring the platform is configured against IATF-ready processes, not legacy ones

· A certification delivery lead — managing the programme from gap assessment through to Stage 2 audit

This role IS NOT

• A gap report writer who hands recommendations to others

• An IATF auditor role focused on compliance checking

• A document management or procedure-writing contractor

• A role that adds processes on top of our existing ISO 9001 system without integrating them

Phase 1 — Gap Assessment & QMS Architecture (~Months 1–3)

• Conduct a structured, clause-by-clause gap assessment of the current QMS against IATF 16949 requirements
• Map customer-specific requirements (CSRs) for YASA’s key OEM customers against the IATF framework
• Identify which existing ISO 9001 processes can be enhanced versus which require fundamental redesign
• Develop a target QMS architecture — an integrated system, not a layered set of add-ons
• Define the full programme plan with milestones, process ownership map, and resource requirements
• Present findings and recommendations to line manager and leadership team

·

Phase 2 — QMS Redesign & Build (~Months 3–9)

• Lead the redesign of core processes to meet IATF 16949 requirements, including:
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA — AIAG/VDA aligned)
• Control Plans and process flow documentation
• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Customer-specific requirements integration
• Assign and develop process owners for each IATF clause area - ownership must sit with the cross functional business, not with this role or Central Quality
• Design and deliver targeted training for process owners and key contributors
• Support creating and roll out of IATF Internal audit schedule with QMS engineer
• Run pilot audits per process area and close findings before Phase 3

·

Phase 3 — Embedding & Evidence Generation (Months 9–12)

• Transition from leading to advising - process owners take primary responsibility, with this role providing expert support
• Oversee the execution of PDCA cycles across all redesigned processes
• Support the internal audit programme - reviewing outputs, coaching auditors, escalating systemic issues
• Review objective evidence generation and ensure it will satisfy IATF certification assessment requirements
• Conduct a formal pre-certification readiness review and produce a gap-to-certification action plan
• Address any systemic nonconformances before Stage 1 audit

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