Advice for future QM (Quality Manager) in automotive

[al40]

Hey Covers,

I've been offered a job in the automotive industry and was wondering what if any pitfalls or advice you could offer a QM. I've been in Aerospace and DoD for the last 10 year. Is transitioning to automotive a sane decision during these times?

Thanks,

Al40

 

[psquared]

"A nice job in automotive"... Forgive my pessimism, but on the surface that sounds like a cabin with a window...on the Titanic.

But seriously, when we hear about the automotive debacle it's easy to forget that there are well run automotive companies that could be exciting to work for. I was reminded of that when watching a video called "Lean Green at Subaru" put out by SME last night.

The only advice I have, not being from an automotive background is avoid companies with burning platform crises that are grounded in the cultural mindset. QM can be a key position for leading change, but culture does not change overnight and this economy makes such a job change riskier than ever.

Best wishes in your decision

 

[Phil Huber]

al40,
I have recently left an automotive supplier as QMS/SQA Manager and would like to share my experience.

When things get tight, as they are right now, quality suffers. Automotive is on a sine wave cycle with the amplitude growing at both peak and valley every cycle; hopefully we are beginning to see the up side.

Be prepared for ongoing crisis management 24/7 and become familar with each companies expectations. The jury is out on what Chrysler/Fiat may require, Ford mandates ISO/TS 16949 with customer specifics (www.iaob.org). GM requires TS along with QSB, Quality System Basics. QSB is actually a pretty slick tool and I found it to work well, applied these principles to our suppliers. You may be able to obtain the ppt and checklist from the GM Supply Power web site.

Best of luck to you.

 

[ralphsulser]

Hey Covers,

I've been offered a job in the automotive industry and was wondering what if any pitfalls or advice you could offer a QM. I've been in Aerospace and DoD for the last 10 years and does transitioning to automotive a sane decision?

Thanks,

Al40

I have been involved in automotive as quality manager for over 20 years. It is the worst right now as it has ever been. It has always been like a yoyo, or "feast and famine". If you can stay in aerospace and DOD, stay there.
If you are masochistic make the leap

 

[al40]

I have been involved in automotive as quality manager for over 20 years. It is the worst right now as it has ever been. It has always been like a yoyo, or "feast and famine". If you can stay in aerospace and DOD, stay there.
If you are masochistic make the leap

I've seen and heard more bad than good, I think I'll stay put at least I know I'm have a job for the next 5 years (New contract signed).

Later,

al40

 

[ralphsulser]

I've seen and heard more bad than good, I think I'll stay put at least I know I'm have a job for the next 5 years (New contract signed).

Later,

al40

Good idea to have some job security. This plant is planning to close the end of 2009. What business we have left is being moved to our sister plant in Michigan. Don't know who will hire a "seasoned" quality guy.

 

[al40]

Good idea to have some job security. This plant is planning to close the end of 2009. What business we have left is being moved to our sister plant in Michigan. Don't know who will hire a "seasoned" quality guy.

I understand what you're saying this plant is a tier 2 & 3 supplier to companies in Germany and South Korea. They have wooed me with a nice signing bonus, 10% min yearly bonus and an almost 6 figure salary...They have asked that I come to their corporate office to discuss my concerns...... what to do?


Thanks,
al40

 

[Phil Huber]

al40,
Would accepting this job require relocation?

As you have already been advised, automotive is in very grim shape right now. It is easy to be lured by a good income and perks for now but how long will this company be around, or, better yet, not leave for Germany or S. Korea?

If you are comfortable with your current job, including your compensation, I would decline this offer. As I stated earlier, I just left automotive quality for a nonautomotive corporation and have WAY less stress and much more security.

Just my thoughts.

 

[AndyN]

The automotive industry is the ONLY industry where I've sat around a table with 4 key plant management who were swapping stories about heart by-pass surgery! 3 had had it, one was scheduled for it.......

And that was in the 'good old days' of the mid '90's!

If I were asked and you had an alternative job, I'd say 'Run away.........'

 

[al40]

al40,
Would accepting this job require relocation?

As you have already been advised, automotive is in very grim shape right now. It is easy to be lured by a good income and perks for now but how long will this company be around, or, better yet, not leave for Germany or S. Korea?

If you are comfortable with your current job, including your compensation, I would decline this offer. As I stated earlier, I just left automotive quality for a nonautomotive corporation and have WAY less stress and much more security.

Just my thoughts.

Ron,
No, the location is local and I went and talked to corporate last night. According to what I was shown they are not affected by the big 3 and their sales are actually on the upswing so I'm at a crossroads and have been informed that the offer is off the table by week's end.


Best regrads,

al40