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