The Senior Product Quality Control (SPQC) is responsible for leading and overseeing all quality control and assurance activities across the production lifecycle. The role ensures that all manufactured products meet Fermel’s engineering specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards, particularly within the underground mining equipment sector.

This position plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement, reducing defects, and ensuring compliance with ISO quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Control & Assurance Oversight

• Lead end-to-end product quality inspections across fabrication, assembly, and final product stages
• Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards
• Approve final product release for delivery to customers
• Develop and implement quality control plans (QCPs) and inspection test plans (ITPs)

2. Production Quality Monitoring

• Conduct in-process inspections to ensure adherence to production standards
• Identify non-conformances and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Work closely with production teams to resolve quality issues in real time
• Monitor key quality metrics (defect rates, rework, scrap levels)

3. Quality Systems & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Maintain accurate quality documentation, inspection reports, and audit records
• Lead internal and external quality audits
• Ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards within the mining industry

4. Continuous Improvement

• Drive root cause analysis using methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), and FMEA
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve product quality
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and cost reduction
• Lead quality improvement projects across departments

5. Supplier & Incoming Quality Control

• Oversee inspection and approval of incoming materials and components
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to address quality issues
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations

6. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor Quality Inspectors and QC Technicians
• Conduct training on quality standards, inspection techniques, and compliance requirements
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

7. Customer Quality & Reporting

• Investigate customer complaints and warranty claims
• Provide detailed technical reports and corrective action plans
• Liaise with engineering and aftermarket teams to resolve field quality issues

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Quality Management
• Certification in Quality Management (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in quality control within manufacturing or heavy equipment
• Experience in mining equipment, OEM, or engineering environments (highly preferred)
• Proven experience in managing quality systems and leading teams

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of:
  • Welding standards and fabrication processes
  • Hydraulic and mechanical systems
  • Engineering drawings and tolerances (GD&T)
• Proficiency in quality tools:
  • Root cause analysis
  • Statistical process control (SPC)
  • Non-conformance management systems

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and quality orientation
• Leadership and team management capability
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a production-driven environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in defect rates and rework
• First-time-right (FTR) production rate
• Customer complaint resolution time
• Audit compliance scores
• Supplier quality performance

Working Conditions

• Factory/production floor environment
• Exposure to heavy machinery and mining equipment
• May require occasional site visits and travel

Added Advantage

• Experience with underground mining machinery
• Knowledge of South African mining compliance standards