Karrel de la Cruz
Yuma
Summary
Results-driven Quality Manager experienced in building materials and automotive industries. Achieved consistent compliance in internal and external audits through effective quality systems and problem-solving methodologies. Focused on enhancing team performance and driving continuous improvement initiatives through strong leadership and communication skills.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Quality Manager
Associated Materials Innovation
02.2012 - 07.2026
- Sustained an ISO9001 compliant quality management system passing both internal and regulatory external audits on a consistent basis.
- Managed team of 16 quality professionals, including 2 quality engineers and 14 quality technicians, to uphold high standards in quality assurance.
- Established cross-functional team to conduct tests and audits across all processes, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards and specifications.
- Led or participated in both Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) to properly launch new product platforms or processes.
- Initiated corrective actions for noncompliance identified by auditors or customers.
- Developed high-performance team through internal promotions and ongoing coaching, enhancing skills and capabilities.
Quality Manager
TSE Brakes Inc
01.2010 - 02.2012
- Led team of 7, including 4 quality engineers and 3 technicians, to ensure quality standards and compliance.
- Sustained ISO 9001 certified quality management system, consistently passing all 3rd party and customer audits.
- Resolved customer complaints using problem-solving tools, including 5 WHY, fishbone diagram, and 8D.
- Managed testing on e-coat and powder coated assemblies, including visual inspection, film thickness, cross hatch testing, and salt spray testing.
- Oversaw testing on e-coat and powder coated assemblies, ensuring compliance through visual inspection, film thickness, cross hatch testing, salt spray testing, and applicable ASTM tests.
Operations Manager
TSE Brakes Inc.
06.2004 - 01.2010
- Oversaw 340 team members in fabrication, painting, and assembly operations in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, ensuring smooth workflow and operational efficiency.
- Reduced insurance premiums by $40K by applying 80/20 principles to pinpoint high-risk areas and operations.
- Initiated an employee suggestion program that yielded $350K in yearly savings
- Implemented robotic welders for key brake actuator components, enhancing production capabilities and quality..
Engineering Manager
TSE Brakes Inc.
05.2001 - 06.2004
- Supported development, prototyping, and launch of two new brake actuator product lines.
- Designed and fabricated welding equipment and fixtures to increase output and reduce process defects.
- Reviewed and revised weld specifications for key critical components to ensure compliance with American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1.
Education
Associate of Science - Material Science
Don Bosco Technical Institute
Rosemead, CABachelor of Science - Engineering Technology- Welding Technology
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CASkills
- Quality Assurance
- System Compliance
- Problem-solving
- Team building
- Adaptability
- Clear communicator
- Quality assurance
- ISO9001 compliance
- DFMEA/PFMEA facilitation
- Root cause analysis
- Regulatory standards adherence
- Quality auditing
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Change control management
- Customer complaint handling
- SOP development
- Issue resolution
- Customer satisfaction
- Certified quality auditor
- Teamwork and collaboration
Additional Information
Proficient in Microsoft 365 - Excel - Word - Power Point, Trilingual - English - Spanish - Tagalog, Teaching Assistant for entry level hands on welding laboratory
Personal Information
Title: Quality Manager
Timeline
Sr. Quality Manager
Associated Materials Innovation
02.2012 - 07.2026
Quality Manager
TSE Brakes Inc
01.2010 - 02.2012
Operations Manager
TSE Brakes Inc.
06.2004 - 01.2010
Engineering Manager
TSE Brakes Inc.
05.2001 - 06.2004
Associate of Science - Material Science
Don Bosco Technical Institute
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Technology- Welding Technology
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo