Work with Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) team through the change order process to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirementsChallenge existing suppliers to recommend more cost effective and/or more reliable products that will improve our competitive positionAct as consultant to communicate and coach the Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Procurement organizations to drive cost effective improvements to Quality and Manufacturing processes, minimizing waste, introduce new products and improve product designProvide technical expertise and leadership to sourcing and development of suppliers with respect to technology, performance, quality, cost, logistics and deliveryProvide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain with regard to product development and procurement of partsOnce qualified, drive supplier actions to verify part and process quality at the supplier's location to reduce the need for incoming inspection. Develop, lead, and implement business cost reduction strategies to improve Reading's cost position without sacrificing qualityInterface with Reading and JBPCO Procurement teams to prioritize supplier development and sourcing needs to improve cost competitiveness or supply constraintsLead vendor initial qualification through the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), ensuring vendor products meet legislative, customer and Reading Engineering requirementsSpecify new or existing product acceptance/test criteria in collaborating with engineering and quality departments as neededResolution of supplier quality issues and management of supplier quality performanceTrack the supplier's performance indicators, based on their scorecards and rankings, to facilitate and develop the supply base's ability to consistently meet or exceed defined expectationsResearch external market information, industry leading companies, technologies, products and processes to identify potential sources and suppliers.