Supplier Quality Manager

The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that all external suppliers meet the company’s quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role oversees supplier qualification, performance monitoring, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality materials, components, and services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality systems, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Assurance
• Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality management processes and procedures.
• Define and communicate quality expectations to suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits (on-site and remote) to ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company specifications.
• Approve new suppliers through qualification and risk assessment processes.
• Performance Management
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using metrics such as defect rates, on-time delivery, and responsiveness.
• Lead supplier corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives (CAPA).
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve non-conformances and prevent recurrence.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support
• Partner with Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to identify quality risks and drive supplier development.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring supplier readiness and capability.
• Provide input during supplier selection and contract negotiations regarding quality requirements.
• Compliance & Documentation
• Maintain documentation of supplier quality activities in accordance with company and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, GMP).
• Support external audits and customer quality requirements related to suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, or supply chain quality management.
• Experience in a regulated or manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical device, electronics).
• Proven experience leading supplier audits and corrective action programs.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and methodologies (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, 8D).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP, and quality management software.
• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) are a plus.