Quality & Operational Excellence Specialist (m/f/d)

General Information

• Start Date: ASAP

• Duration: Approx. 6 months (until 31.05.2027, with possible extension)

• Workplace: Uster (onsite presence required)

• Workload: 80–100% (please state your preference)

• Home Office: 100% onsite initially (hybrid options may be evaluated at a later stage)
  
  
   

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Claims & Non-Conformity Management: End-to-end handling of customer and supplier complaints, including structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action management (using 4D, 8D, Ishikawa, A3, and similar methodologies).

• Continuous Improvement (CIP / KVP): Support the definition and implementation of defect reduction measures and local Operational Excellence (Q&OpEx) strategies to optimize workflows, reduce operational costs, and enhance workplace safety.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Assist in maintaining, upholding, and further developing integrated management systems (including ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22163 / IRIS, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ATEX/IECEx).

• QMS Coordination & Optimization: Coordinate cross-functional measures and activities aimed at continuously improving the overall quality management system.

• Process & Documentation Support: Collaborate closely with Process Owners to draft, formalize, and maintain operational processes and quality documentation.
  
  
  
   

Qualifications & Requirements (Must-Haves)

• Education: Completed vocational training (EFZ / Berufsausbildung) or further qualification, preferably in Quality Assurance, Quality Management, or a technical/industrial field.

• Professional Experience: At least 3 years of practical experience in a similar Quality Assurance or Operational Excellence role (mid-level profile; overqualified/very senior profiles are not targeted).

• Claims & Customer Management Expertise: Proven hands-on experience in handling customer and supplier claims, root cause analysis, and customer-facing quality communication.

• ISO Standards Knowledge: Solid familiarity with quality management standards, particularly ISO 9001.

• IT & ERP Proficiency: Proficient in MS Office and solid user-level knowledge of SAP.

• Language Skills: Business fluency in both German and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
  
  
   

Desirable Skills (Nice-to-Haves)

• Experience with rail industry quality standards (ISO/TS 22163 / IRIS) as well as environmental, safety, or energy standards (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ATEX/IECEx).

• Familiarity with specialized quality or CAQ software tools (e.g., Babtec / Bobtech or similar QMS platforms).

• Hands-on experience supporting Lean, Six Sigma, or shop-floor continuous improvement (KVP) initiatives.