Supplier Development Manager

Key Responsibilities

A. Supplier Relationship & Development

• Build strong, long-term relationships with suppliers and their management teams.
• Work closely with suppliers to understand challenges and identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop supplier capabilities in quality, productivity, delivery, and cost competitiveness.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, Production, and other internal functions to resolve supplier issues.

B. Quality Improvement & Problem Solving

• Analyze supplier quality performance, including PPM, rejection, customer complaints, and recurring defects.
• Drive defect prevention, process control, and sustainable corrective actions.
• Support resolution of critical quality issues and prevent recurrence.

C. Productivity & Continuous Improvement

• Visit supplier shop floors to identify bottlenecks, process gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Implement Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, and line balancing.
• Improve cycle time, manpower productivity, machine utilization, and production efficiency.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through scrap reduction, waste elimination, process optimization, and VA/VE.

D. Supplier Audits & Gap Assessment

• Conduct supplier process audits and manufacturing capability assessments.
• Identify gaps against IATF 16949, applicable quality standards, and OEM requirements.
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions through follow-up visits.

E. Supplier Performance & Project Management

• Monitor monthly supplier scorecards for quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Identify critical suppliers & prioritize development activities based on performance
• Lead improvement projects from problem identification to implementation.
• Track milestones, quantify benefits, and ensure timely completion of improvements

3. Qualifications & Technical Competencies

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Automobile engineering

Experience

• 8–12 years of relevant experience in automotive manufacturing, supplier quality, or supplier development.
• Hands-on experience working with suppliers and implementing shop-floor improvements.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and automotive quality requirements.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, and 8D.
• Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, QC tools, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in supplier audits, gap identification, corrective action management, and project execution.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare performance reports and presentations.

Required Behavioral Competencies

• Ownership: Takes responsibility for issues and drives actions through to closure.
• Communication: Communicates effectively with supplier teams, management, and internal stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Develops trust and motivates suppliers to improve.
• Execution: Converts ideas into action plans and delivers measurable results.
• Adaptability: Works effectively across different supplier environments and manufacturing processes.
• Travel Flexibility: Travel frequently to supplier locations & work on shop floor