Qualitätsmanager (m/w/d) – Lieferantenqualität & Produktprüfung

Responsibilities

We are representing a confidential tools and hardware organisation expanding its quality assurance function as it develops more proprietary products across international supply chains.

In this role, you will establish the quality management infrastructure from the ground up:

• Pre-shipment approval: Inspect production samples before every shipment according to dimensional, material, surface, and functional criteria. Document findings in first article inspection reports and make release decisions—no shipment proceeds without your approval.
• Build systematic inspection protocols: Develop inspection specifications by product category and SKU, define sampling plans and acceptance levels using AQL methodology, maintain reference samples for reproducible comparison, and ensure full traceability from every finding back to batch and supplier.
• Incoming goods verification: Sample incoming batches and compare against retained reference samples to identify deviations between what was approved and what was delivered across repeat orders.
• Cross-portfolio testing: Inspect hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring instruments, protective equipment) and power tool accessories (drill bits, saw blades, abrasives). Evaluate hand tools statically; test accessories under load with defined test materials and failure criteria to ensure comparable service life measurements.
• Quality metrics and reporting: Track defect rates by supplier, product group, and batch; monitor complaint and return rates per article; maintain supplier scorecards so purchasing decisions are data-driven.
• Root cause analysis: Investigate customer complaints, returns, and product reviews as rapid quality signals, trace them to specific batches, and close the loop with suppliers.
• Manage external testing: Coordinate accredited testing (VPA, TÜV, VDE) where standards require it—obtain quotes, commission tests, track timelines, and evaluate reports while maintaining oversight of applicable standards per product category.
• Establish testing infrastructure: Set up inspection stations, measuring equipment, test materials, and calibration schedules. You will have input on the equipment you work with.
• Collaborate with overseas QC: Work with the client's QC officer in Asia who conducts on-site factory inspections. You evaluate their reports and define inspection requirements—two control points, one system.

What We're Looking For

• Technical qualification: Vocational training with advancement to Techniker or Meister, or degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, quality management, or related field. Practical experience weighs more than credentials.
• 2–5 years in quality assurance or quality management, ideally with a procurement-focused organisation working with international suppliers rather than in-house manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with first article inspection, test planning, and AQL methodology. You have written first article inspection reports and defined acceptance criteria.
• User-level understanding of tools: You have personally drilled, sawed, and fastened, and know what quality tools feel like in use. Without this, assessment remains abstract.
• Commitment to reproducibility: You document what you observe—measurements, images, conditions, judgments—so findings remain valid and traceable years later.
• Ability to hold the line: A quality hold delays shipments and creates pressure. Candidates who release questionable product to avoid conflict will make the costliest mistakes in this role.
• AI proficiency: The client uses AI throughout the organisation. If you have built evaluations, templates, or workflows with AI tools, you will fit the culture.
• Fluent German and strong English for direct supplier communication and reviewing test reports in their original language.

Valued experience: Working with Asian suppliers; using measuring instruments (calipers, hardness testers, torque testers); knowledge of standards for tools and power tool accessories; conducting wear and service life testing; building QM systems or test facilities from scratch. If you have written inspection specifications or test plans, please share them—the client wants to see how you think, not just what is listed on your CV.

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and confirm alignment with the role requirements. We then present qualified candidates to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly, as all communication is managed through our recruitment process to ensure fairness and confidentiality.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience and qualifications.

Additional benefits through the client include: Flexible working hours (Gleitzeit), home office options for documentation and reporting tasks (inspection work is on-site), professional development support for quality management, metrology, standards knowledge, or auditor qualifications, company pension contribution, 30 days annual leave, employee discount on the full product range, and involvement in all aspects of a growing organisation with flat hierarchies and regular team events.

Get A Job.ai is an equal opportunity recruiter. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.