Job Description

Description

 POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Supplier Quality Manager leads the supplier quality function, supporting purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing teams by establishing and enforcing quality standards across the supply base. This role is responsible for the strategic development and execution of supplier quality initiatives, including auditing, compliance, and continuous improvement programs. The Supplier Quality Manager works to ensure that all supplier components and processes meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements. This position provides leadership in supplier development, manages the supplier PPAP process, and oversees supplier corrective actions, quality metrics, and risk mitigation strategies.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS*:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline; Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma) preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in quality assurance/control, with at least three (3) years in a leadership or managerial role.

• Extensive knowledge of supplier quality systems, ISO standards, and manufacturing processes.

• Proficient in statistical analysis tools and quality improvement methodologies.

• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.

*Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Leadership & Strategy: Develops and executes supplier quality strategy aligned with corporate quality objectives. Leads supplier quality engineering team and coordinates cross-functional improvement initiatives.

• Supplier Development: Partners with suppliers to improve product quality and process capabilities. Oversee supplier selection, onboarding, and qualification processes.

• Auditing & Compliance: Manages the supplier audit program to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal standards.

• Quality Systems: Establishes and maintains supplier quality management systems, including control plans, PPAP, PFMEA, and corrective action procedures.

• Performance Monitoring: Tracks and reports supplier quality performance metrics, including defect rates, and cost of poor quality.

• Problem Solving: Leads root cause analysis and resolution of supplier-related quality issues. Use advanced problem-solving tools such as DOE, FMEA, and 8D.

• Risk Management: Identifies quality risks within the supply chain and develops mitigation plans.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to drive product quality improvements.

• Training & Development: Trains internal staff and suppliers on quality standards, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Continuous Improvement: Promotes and facilitates the use of lean, Six Sigma, and SPC techniques for ongoing process improvements.