Supplier Quality Manager

Role & responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze supplier performance using KPIs including quality, delivery, cost, lead time, responsiveness and capacity.
• Identify underperforming suppliers and develop and drive supplier improvement plans.
• Drive improvement plans for identified strategic/critical suppliers and ensure timely closure of agreed actions.
• Support ASQ during program and sourcing phases by providing supplier capability, quality and manufacturing inputs.
• Lead supplier improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 8D, PDCA and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Conduct supplier visits and assess manufacturing processes, capacity, quality systems, process capability and operational efficiency.
• Drive improvement in supplier process capability, productivity, yield, cycle time, OEE and capacity.
• Support new supplier development, supplier qualification and production ramp-up.
• Manage supplier risks related to capacity constraints, quality issues, delivery performance and supply continuity.
• Work closely with Commodity Purchasing to manage supplier escalations and drive timely resolution.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics and Operations to achieve supplier performance objectives.
• Track supplier improvement actions and report progress, risks and key performance indicators to senior management.
• Negotiate and influence suppliers to achieve agreed quality, delivery, productivity and improvement targets.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote best practices across the supplier base.

Preferred candidate profile

• 12-18 years of relevant experience in Automotive Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality or Supplier Development.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing strategic/critical suppliers.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing / auto components is preferred.
• Strong experience in Supplier Quality / Supplier Development / Manufacturing Quality within the automotive industry.
• Strong analytical, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in supplier performance management and improvement projects.