Martin José Cruz Cruz

As Director of Quality & Welding at FreightCar America, I spearheaded initiatives that ensured compliance with FCA policies, AAR standards, and customer requirements.

• Led a cross-functional team to develop and execute comprehensive quality assurance plans for products and services.
• Developed training programs that enhanced employees'' understanding of quality standards, leading to improved production accuracy and efficiency.
• Spearheaded Six Sigma initiatives across multiple departments, measurably improving process efficiencies throughout the organization.
• I led quality control programs, and cost-reduction strategies that directly contributed to achieving targets.
• I lead quality improvement activities, root-cause analysis, and quality planning methods have significantly bolstered the site's overall efficiency.
• Oversaw compliance certification processes, sample car inspections, and buy-off operations to ensure adherence to AAR and customer specifications.
• Managed relationships with major clients, including GATX, TTX, Progress Rail, CSX, Vulcan, CEMEX, and BNSF.
• Spearheaded re-certification ARR M1003 assessments, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Led welding process validations, Quality – Production line strategies, and WPS development

As a Project Director, I offer advisory services to the Automotive and railway sectors.

• My consulting work focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, problem-solving, risk management, and strategic planning, providing specialized knowledge to elevate the performance of companies within the industry.
• Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
• Supported refurbishment of the new subway Line 1 at STC Metro in CDMX, ensuring seamless execution of electrical and electronic components.
• Negotiated contracts and agreements on behalf of clients, securing favorable terms and conditions.
• Supervised project phases following DFQ methodology at CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd.

As a Quality Director I took a senior-level role overseeing and managing quality aspects across two manufacturing sites, supplier development, testing, commissioning, and warranty areas.

• I develop and executing strategies to ensure long-term customer satisfaction aligned with site and corporate goals.
• Managed a 115+ staff team, fostering a 'Zero Defect' culture and best practices.
• Ensured compliance with ISO/TS 22163, ISO 9001, AS 9100 certifications, overseeing quality system execution.
• Defined Quality Strategies to achieve financial objectives, overseeing budget of quality, testing, and warranty areas.
• Interfaced directly with high-level executives within client companies, addressing concerns and correcting perceived faults to maintain smooth customer relationships.
• Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.

• Managed quality across three manufacturing shifts, leading 50+ professionals in Supplier Quality, NDT, Quality Engineering, and Inspections.
• Implemented APQP, FMEA, RCA, SPC, and QMS methodologies to ensure compliance with Bombardier standards.
• Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
• Championed data-driven decision making by conducting regular reviews of performance metrics and adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Directed testing lab operations, ensuring compliance with AWS, AAR, ASTM, ASME, IPC, ASNT, ISO 9001 standards.
• Monitored key performance indicators (CoNQ, Scrap, DPU, RFT, Overtime, Reworks, Demerits), optimizing quality processes.

• Led a multicultural team of 50+ specialists, optimizing quality operations to enhance performance and customer satisfaction.
• Developed and deployed Built-in Quality (BIQ III & Q4 certification) strategies, improving FTQ and reducing defects.
• Spearheaded the launch of RDM and PTU products for the Buick Envision project, ensuring successful implementation.
• Led continuous improvement initiatives by actively seeking opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
• Served as the primary customer contact for General Motors, Chrysler, BMW, SGM, Opel Russelsheim, and HSV Holden Australia, reducing in 40% customer claims.
• Managed supplier audits, maintaining compliance with ISO TS 16949 and corporate quality standards.

• Led supplier quality management, overseeing incoming inspections, QA lab activities, and regional quality programs.
• Developed and executed Global Supplier Quality Strategies, strengthening partnerships and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Optimized supply chain operations through close collaboration with vendors on quality assurance matters, improving supplier relationships over time.
• Established technical inspection protocols, quality management plans, and configuration standards.
• Managed quality assurance for major international projects including LRT Kelana Jaya Line - Kuala Lumpur; Sky Train- Vancouver; CTA-Chicago; NJT New Jersey; MTA-Nueva York; Bi-level cars-Toronto, GO Transit; Locomotives-Progress Rail and BART-San Francisco.

• Oversaw planning and execution of E-Drive ABS projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
• Managed project risk assessments, stakeholder communications, and performance monitoring.
• Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining scopes, timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
• Led process audits (TS 16949, VDA 6.3, Formel Q Fähigkeit) to drive operational excellence.
• Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
• Served as the liaison between Continental Berlin, Continental México, and Volkswagen, ensuring seamless collaboration.

Led supplier quality teams, driving incoming inspection processes and quality improvements.

• Managed KPIs (PPMs, Non-Quality Costs, Quality Ratings), optimizing supplier reliability.
• Develop supplier's capabilities of manufacturing for consistent and repeatable quality (Existing and New Suppliers).
• Developed corrective action plans and audit strategies, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and UL standards.
• Drove standardization efforts across multiple production lines to ensure consistent product output meeting stringent specifications.