Lead - Project Quality Assurance (Project QA)

Lead - Project Quality Assurance (Project QA)

Role Summary

The Lead – Project QA is responsible for leading and governing quality assurance activities across multiple projects and supplier locations, ensuring compliance with contractual, statutory, and customer requirements. The role drives quality planning, supplier quality management, inspection execution, client interface, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve project quality objectives and timely delivery.

The position acts as the key interface between Engineering, SCM, Project Management, Suppliers, Third-Party Inspection Agencies, and Customers on all quality-related matters. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Leadership & Governance

• Establish project quality strategy, objectives, and KPIs aligned with business and customer requirements.
• Drive implementation of Quality Management Systems and quality assurance processes across projects.
• Monitor quality performance, NCR trends, customer complaints, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Lead quality reviews, audits, and management reporting.

2. Supplier Quality Management

• Approve vendor quality documents including QAPs, ITPs, WPS/PQRs, procedures, and technical records.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Drive supplier quality improvement programs and monitor compliance.
• Ensure manufacturing and fabrication activities meet contractual and code requirements.

3. Inspection & Expediting Coordination

• Develop and monitor project inspection plans and critical quality milestones.
• Coordinate inspections with customers, TPIs, suppliers, and project teams.
• Ensure timely completion of inspections, release notes, and documentation.
• Drive closure of non-conformities, punch points, and inspection observations.

4. Customer Interface & Compliance Management

• Serve as the primary focal point for customer quality requirements and approvals.
• Participate in customer audits, technical meetings, kick-off meetings, and quality reviews.
• Manage submission and approval of quality dossiers, MDCCs, manufacturing records, and compliance reports.
• Resolve customer concerns and quality-related escalations.

5. Documentation & Quality Control

• Review and approve: 
  • Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs)
  • Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs)
  • Welding Procedures (WPS/PQR)
  • Material Test Certificates
  • Quality Evaluation Reports (QER)
  • SOPs and Quality Procedures
• Ensure documentation complies with contractual requirements and applicable codes/standards.

6. Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify quality risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA), CAPA, and lessons-learned initiatives.
• Drive digitalization and automation of quality processes.
• Support Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) reduction and Project Quality Index (PQI) improvement initiatives.

7. Team Development & Capability Building

• Mentor and develop Project QA Managers, Engineers, and Inspectors.
• Conduct quality awareness and technical training programs.
• Promote a culture of quality excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Stakeholder Interaction

Internal Stakeholders

• Engineering
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Project Management
• Manufacturing
• Marketing & Proposal Teams
• Quality & Business Leadership

External Stakeholders

• Customers (NTPC, Adani, etc.)
• Third-Party Inspection Agencies (TPI)
• Suppliers & Subcontractors

Certification and Regulatory Bodies