Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

Position Summary
Develops, implements, leads, and drives supplier quality strategies for the supplier quality and development groups. Provides local leadership in the implementation, execution, and enforcement of commodity quality strategies in support of business growth. Manages a group of salaried and hourly direct reports. Defines criteria for quality competitiveness evaluation for new manufacturing technologies, new products, and new suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Strategy:

• Create, execute, communicate, and maintain supplier quality strategy for commodities
• Manage a team of direct reports to facilitate execution of supplier quality goals and objectives
• Coordinate Supplier Quality Management Engineers (SQME) activities for new product development and current product changes
• Create and implement Supplier Vetting Strategy, Supplier Capability Assessment, Supplier Selection, and Key Supplier Performance Metrics
• Develop and implement supplier quality roadmap in collaboration with Global Supply Management Manager and Quality Director
• Create and implement global commodity quality requirements
• Benchmark suppliers on best-in-commodity production strategies

Supplier Quality Management:

• Serve as center of expertise for manufacturing processes within the respective commodity
• Develop compliance matrix models and assess supplier competencies
• Lead supplier quality vetting and selection process
• Work closely with Global Commodity Manager and Engineering to improve Quality/Cost/Time
• Identify quality improvement opportunities and drive continuous improvement programs
• Establish and lead supplier technical site assessments; coordinate supplier process audits and corrective action audits
• Lead resolution of complex supplier quality issues and serve as escalation point
• Conduct supplier quality training and develop local Supplier Development Engineers
• Identify new technologies supporting business growth and product leadership
• Track and communicate global commodity industry trends and opportunities
• Establish KPIs to monitor supplier performance over mid and long-term
• Monitor supplier performance and coordinate visits to domestic suppliers (US, Canada, MX)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or technical field (Mechanical, Industrial, Production Technology) required
• 10+ years of professional experience in Quality, Production, Logistics, or Cost/Process Planning
• 10+ years of Supply Management experience in an automotive production environment preferred
• Proven record in Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Process Improvement
• Demonstrated competence in vendor assessment and negotiation
• Experience presenting to high-level management (internal, suppliers, and customers)

Required Skills & Certifications

• VDA 6.3 Process Auditor
• Knowledge of APQP, FMEA, Six Sigma, and process capability analysis tools
• Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
• Strong MS Office and project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, and leadership skills
• Ability to independently troubleshoot issues and determine course of action

Key Competencies
Business Acumen, Process Management, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Creativity, Learning on the Fly, Drive for Results

Additional Information

• Targeted Commodities: Electronics, Forgings, Die-Castings, Stamping, Bearings and Bushings, Seals, Powdered Metals
• Commodity size: $250M–$500M per year
• Targeted suppliers: 100–250
• Travel required: 50–75%