The Sr. Director - Supplier Quality is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to ensure the highest level of quality across the global supplier base. This role is critical in driving supplier quality performance, oversees supplier quality systems, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a Six Sigma Black Belt, extensive experience in supplier quality management and outsourced manufacturing environments and demonstrated leadership and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities Supplier Quality Strategy & Management -
Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to drive supplier quality improvement initiatives.
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Develop and oversee comprehensive supplier quality assurance programs across global supply chains.
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Establish supplier selection, qualification, auditing, and performance evaluation processes including assessments, PPAP/FAI reviews, and compliance checks.
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Implement and monitor supplier scorecards, audits, and performance improvement plans.
Outsource Process Control -
Oversee quality control processes at outsourced manufacturing and assembly sites.
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Develop and maintain risk management protocols for outsourced partners.
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Ensure process capability and control through effective use of SPC (Statistical Process Control) and PFMEA.
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Collaborate with contract manufacturers to establish in-process controls, testing protocols, and corrective action plans.
Leadership & Team Development -
Lead and mentor a team of regional and global supplier quality engineers and managers.
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Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality excellence.
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Set strategic direction and align cross-functional quality initiatives across the supply chain.
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Represent the company in strategic supplier negotiations and customer quality escalations.
Continuous Improvement -
Champion Lean Six Sigma methodologies to reduce defects, waste, and cost across the supply base.
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Conduct root cause analysis and corrective action planning for supplier non-conformances.
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Drive process optimization and use data-driven techniques to identify improvement opportunities.
Compliance & Documentation -
Ensure all suppliers comply with relevant standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, etc.) and customer-specific requirements.
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Lead supplier audits and assessments; track and report on quality metrics and KPIs.
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Collaborate with regulatory and internal compliance teams to maintain documentation and traceability.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement -
Serve as the key liaison between suppliers, internal quality teams, and executive leadership.
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Present quality status, improvement plans, and risk mitigation updates to senior leadership.
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Proactively communicate potential risks or issues and develop action plans accordingly.
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Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to address quality issues.
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Partner with R&D and product development to ensure quality is built into design and processes early on.
Qualifications Required: -
Bachelor s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field; Master s degree preferred.
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Six Sigma Black Belt certification (ASQ or equivalent).
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20+ years of experience in supplier quality management, including 10+ years of leadership roles.
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Strong background in managing outsourced manufacturing and global supply chains.
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Expertise in quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, CAPA).
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Proven leadership in driving quality culture and mentoring diverse teams.
Preferred: -
Experience in industries such as Renewable, Electronics or Automotive.
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Familiarity with ERP and QMS systems.
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Multilingual skills or global cultural fluency a plus.
Skills -
Leadership & Influence: Strategic thinker with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
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Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills using Six Sigma and root cause analysis.
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Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
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Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in managing data and documentation.
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Adaptability: Able to operate in dynamic, fast-paced, and multicultural environments.
Culture is our Passion
