Chief Quality Officer

Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Overview

The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) will lead the company's quality strategy across market, customer, and supplier domains. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the CQO ensures that all products and services meet the highest standards of reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive quality management system (QMS) aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Lead cross‑functional teams to monitor, assess, and improve market quality metrics, ensuring products meet market expectations.
Oversee customer quality initiatives, handling feedback loops, complaint resolution, and post‑sale performance analysis.
Manage supplier quality programs, including qualification, audits, performance tracking, and corrective action plans.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, produce regular reports for executive leadership, and recommend strategic actions.
Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce defects and enhance operational efficiency.
Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and sales teams to embed quality considerations into product design and delivery processes.
Ensure compliance with Japanese quality standards and any relevant international certifications.
Mentor and develop a high‑performing quality team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
Proven expertise in market quality, customer quality, and supplier quality management.
Strong knowledge of QMS frameworks such as ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, or equivalent.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
Fluent Japanese language skills (both written and spoken) and proficient English communication.
Leadership experience with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organization‑wide change.

Desired Experience

3–13 years of progressive experience in quality assurance/quality control roles within engineering or manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated track record of leading quality initiatives that resulted in measurable improvements in product performance and customer satisfaction.
Experience managing supplier relationships and conducting supplier audits.
Certification in quality methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, CQE) is a plus.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: ¥15,000,000 – ¥20,000,000 per annum (annual, based on experience and qualifications).

Performance‑based bonuses.
Comprehensive health and wellness insurance.
Retirement pension plan.
Paid vacation, public holidays, and sick leave.
Professional development allowance and support for certifications.
Relocation assistance (if applicable).