Role & responsibilities We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) with minimum 18 to 20 years of progressive experience in the automotive industry , preferably with Tier-1 suppliers ( ideally German companies ). The role requires deep expertise in supplier quality management, part claim handling, problem solving, quality systems, and crisis resolution, especially for safety-critical components in commercial vehicles from all commodities: Ai-Casting, Iron-Casting, Iron-Turned (soft & case/through hardening), Plastics, Rubber, Sheet Metals, Standard parts (Screws, nuts etc) Deep understanding on SC/CC Management on part level Lead all aspects of supplier quality strategy and execution across a global or regional supply base. Ensure that components, raw materials, and outsourced processes from suppliers meet rigorous automotive quality & product safety standards, regulatory compliance, and OEM-specific requirements. This role is critical in supporting flawless production of the safety critical assemblies, minimizing quality and product safety risks, and strengthening long-term as well as sustainable supplier performance . Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute supplier quality strategies aligned with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and customer-specific requirements. Lead and manage a cross-functional SQA team responsible for global or regional supplier performance. Act as the primary liaison between Quality, Purchasing, Engineering, and Program Management for all supplier-related quality matters. Establish supplier approval criteria and oversee technical assessments and audits (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, Product Safety Audits). Approve supplier selection in collaboration with purchasing, ensuring capability for launch and serial production. Support early supplier involvement in product development, support ramp up in the Plant and ensure robust APQP execution. Oversee PPAP submission review and approval for all supplier-supplied parts. Drive readiness reviews and on-site supplier support in production phase. Ensure suppliers meet timing and quality gates during product and process development phases. Define and track supplier KPIs (e.g., PPM, OTIF, audit scores, complaint response time). Monitor and escalate supplier non-conformities, initiating containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa). Conduct quarterly supplier reviews and business risk assessments. Audits & Compliance Ensure compliance with OEM-specific requirements and internal change management procedures. Support internal audits and customer visits involving supplier quality topics. Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement Lead supplier development programs to build capability in quality systems, defect prevention, and cost of poor-quality reduction. Apply Lean Six Sigma tools for process optimization and defect reduction at supplier locations. Partner with suppliers on systemic improvements in design for manufacturability, process capability, and traceability. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in mechanical, Automotive Engineering or related field (masters preferred). 18+ years of progressive experience in automotive quality, managing supplier quality teams. Strong knowledge on Product Safety Management Strong knowledge of automotive standards: IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, and applicable OEM-specific quality systems. Demonstrated experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, Control Plans, and SPC. Proficient in problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, DMAIC). Email ID:- snehal.mhaskar@knorr-bremse.com
A Materials Planning Manager ensures the timely availability of materials needed for production by analysing demand, managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and optimizing material flow to meet production schedules and cost-effective targets. Key responsibilities include tracking production volume, developing inventory strategies, issuing purchase orders, and managing relationships with vendors. The role requires strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, and often a degree in a related field. Key Purpose : Manage the team in charge of activities of Material Planning needs expression towards suppliers. Ensure application of Procure to Pay core model processes for material planning activities & master data management. Deploy action plan for performance improvement & risk management & cost efficiency. Key Responsibilities Ensure on-time availability of materials to support project and production needs. Optimize inventory levels while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and technical standards. Collaborate with engineering, project teams, and suppliers to secure a reliable material flow. Monitor planning KPIs and align material strategies with Alstom's operational and business goals. Lead and support teams through process improvements and supply chain transformation initiatives. Inspire and guide people through change, fostering a culture of agility, accountability, and collaboration. Demand & Supply Planning: Analyse forecasts and customer demand to determine material requirements for production. Inventory Management: Monitor and optimize inventory levels for raw materials, components, and finished goods to prevent shortages and overstocking. Supplier Coordination: Work with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials that meet quality standards and cost targets. Production Support: Coordinate with the production team to align material availability with production schedules and maintain uninterrupted operations. Purchasing: Generate purchase orders for necessary materials and manage supplier performance. Reporting: Prepare reports, cost estimates, and performance analysis related to material planning and inventory. Process Improvement: Identify and implement strategies for continuous improvement in material planning and supply chain processes. Required Skills and Qualifications Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication (written and verbal) skills are essential. Software Proficiency: Familiarity with software packages, particularly Microsoft Office, and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is required. Experience: Experience in operations scheduling, material planning, or supply chain management is often necessary. Education: A high school diploma or GED is a minimum requirement, though a degree in business, logistics, or a similar field is preferred by many employers. Key Outcomes Cost Reduction: By controlling inventory and optimizing sourcing, the manager helps reduce waste and control overall costs. Operational Efficiency: Ensuring the right materials are available at the right time supports efficient, uninterrupted production. Customer Satisfaction: Timely delivery of products is supported by effective material planning, contributing to customer satisfaction
Job Description: Planning Manager oversees and optimizes the manufacturing process to ensure timely production, efficient resource utilization, and high product quality. This senior role involves strategic planning and coordination with multiple departments, from sales and procurement to logistics. Roles and responsibilities A PPC manager is responsible for the entire production lifecycle, including: Developing and implementing production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization. Collaborating with production teams, supply chain and sales to understand data from demand forecasting and plan production requirements. Analyzing and assessing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and prevent shortages or excesses. Creating and maintaining production schedules, considering lead times, production capacities and resource constraints. Coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and components. Scheduling: Creating and maintaining detailed production schedules to ensure on-time delivery while balancing workload and capacity across production lines. Inventory management: Monitoring inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to prevent shortages or overstocking, which helps to minimize waste and storage costs. Interdepartmental coordination: Serving as the key liaison between various departments, including sales, procurement, production, and logistics, to ensure a seamless and aligned workflow. Performance monitoring: Tracking and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, on-time delivery, and inventory turnover to identify issues and implement corrective actions. Problem-solving: Addressing production disruptions, supply chain issues, and other operational problems to keep production on track. Process improvement: Identifying inefficiencies and implementing continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma, to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Team leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and motivating the production control team to achieve departmental and company goals. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive planning strategies, aligning them with overall business goals and objectives. Project Oversight: Coordinate projects from inception to completion, monitor progress, and implement controls to ensure timely and efficient delivery. Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor planning staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of resources, manage budgets, and monitor expenditures. Data Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze market trends, financial data, and operational metrics to inform strategic planning, forecast future needs, and assess potential risks. Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with different departments and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication. Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies, and prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management. Common Tasks Conducting planning meetings, Preparing reports and presentations, Managing project budgets and funding, Monitoring and evaluating project performance, and Representing the department at public or council meetings. Skills and qualifications Strong analytical skills: The ability to analyze data and production metrics to make informed, data-driven decisions. Proficiency in ERP/MRP software: Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems for production and inventory control. Excellent communication and leadership: Strong verbal and written communication to effectively coordinate with diverse teams and lead staff. Problem-solving abilities: A knack for quickly identifying issues and implementing effective solutions to minimize production delays. Deep industry knowledge: A solid understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and quality control techniques. Organizational and time-management skills: The ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications Education: A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is typically required. Experience: Most positions require a minimum of 15-20 years of experience in production planning and control, with some management experience. Certifications: Professional certifications such as APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) are often preferred and can demonstrate expertise.