Job Description

Position Overview

Our client, a global automotive manufacturing organization is seeking a Sr. Manager, Supplier Quality Assurance to lead its regional supplier quality function.

This person will own the systems, processes, performance standards, and supplier development activity required to build a capable and reliable supply base. The role will work closely with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials, Logistics, and Program Management to support successful launches, supplier performance, production continuity, and customer requirements.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced automotive supplier quality leader who can operate strategically, develop people, influence suppliers, and stay close to the manufacturing process.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the regional supplier quality strategy
• Establish supplier quality policies, standards, procedures, manuals, and governance routines
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers
• Maintain the approved supplier list and supplier qualification standards
• Build and manage supplier scorecards using quality, delivery, PPAP, audit, and performance data
• Establish supplier improvement plans based on performance, risk, commodity trends, and manufacturing capability
• Evaluate potential suppliers through risk assessments, audits, and Process Sign Off activity
• Conduct supplier audits using a structured, risk based approach
• Lead targeted supplier development and supplier recovery initiatives
• Oversee APQP activity for new programs
• Drive timely and accurate PPAP approval
• Validate manufacturing readiness through Run at Rate, PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability, and onsite process reviews
• Approve PPAP documentation and Part Submission Warrants
• Support technical RFQ reviews and supplier selection decisions
• Partner with Engineering and Procurement to evaluate manufacturability and supplier capability
• Support tooling audits, tooling transfers, process requalification, and major engineering changes
• Lead response to supplier quality problems affecting production, launches, or customer delivery
• Drive containment, controlled shipping, corrective action, recovery planning, and cost recovery
• Oversee structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Why, and root cause analysis
• Conduct regular performance reviews with strategic suppliers
• Ensure supplier compliance with automotive, customer specific, regulatory, and internal quality requirements
• Develop leadership dashboards, KPIs, and supplier performance reporting
• Improve or automate supplier quality processes where practical
• Establish annual objectives and accountability measures for the supplier quality team
• Prepare and manage the annual department budget

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• At least 7 to 10 years of automotive supplier quality or supplier development experience
• Previous leadership of a regional or global Supplier Quality Assurance team
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949
• Strong knowledge of AIAG requirements and automotive core tools
• Direct ownership of APQP and PPAP activity
• Experience conducting supplier audits and manufacturing readiness assessments
• Experience with Run at Rate, PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability, SPC, and CQI requirements
• Experience managing supplier containment, corrective action, and recovery plans