Position:
Job Purpose
Lead supplier quality assurance activities to ensure purchased components and subassemblies consistently meet customer, regulatory, and organizational quality requirements. Drive supplier development, APQP execution, PPAP approvals, process audits, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve Zero Defect performance and customer satisfaction. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Experience Required
15-22 years
of experience in Supplier Quality Assurance, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Management.- Mandatory experience in the
Automotive / Auto Component Industry
. - Strong exposure to
APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, 8D, VDA 6.3, and IATF 16949
. - Experience in handling customer requirements, supplier audits, supplier performance management, and new product development programs.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading and mentoring SQA teams.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Production, Automobile, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline.
- Master's degree will be an added advantage.
- Certified VDA 6.3 Auditor / IATF 16949 Internal Auditor preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Management
- Lead supplier quality assurance activities for new and existing suppliers.
- Evaluate, approve, and develop suppliers based on quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing capability.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs such as PPM, OTD, Audit Scores, and Customer Complaints.
- Drive supplier improvement initiatives and periodic performance reviews. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
APQP & New Product Development
- Support supplier selection during new product development.
- Ensure completion of supplier APQP deliverables as per project timelines.
- Review and approve Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, MSA Studies, and SPC Plans.
- Coordinate production trials and Run-at-Rate activities. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
PPAP Management
- Review and approve supplier PPAP submissions as per AIAG requirements.
- Verify dimensional reports, capability studies, material certifications, and validation records.
- Ensure PPAP approvals before SOP. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Supplier Audits
- Conduct Supplier Process Audits, VDA 6.3 Audits, IATF 16949 Audits, and Special Process Audits.
- Identify process risks and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
- Support supplier qualification and certification activities. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Problem Solving & Corrective Actions
- Lead supplier concern resolution using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Analysis, and A3 Methodology.
- Drive root cause analysis and preventive actions.
- Verify effectiveness of implemented corrective actions. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Incoming Quality Improvement
- Reduce supplier PPM and incoming rejection levels.
- Establish effective incoming inspection standards and supplier quality controls.
- Support containment and escalation management for supplier issues. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Compliance & Customer Requirements
- Ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Support customer audits and quality investigations related to supplier concerns. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor SQA Engineers and Supplier Development teams.
- Drive competency building, succession planning, and team performance management.
- Ensure effective allocation of supplier responsibilities within the team. [JD For SQA Lead | Word]
Key Skills
- Supplier Quality Assurance
- Supplier Development
- APQP / PPAP
- VDA 6.3 Audits
- IATF 16949
- Core Quality Tools
- Root Cause Analysis
- Team Management
- Customer Quality Requirements
- New Product Development (NPD)
Preferred Industry
Automotive OEMs, Tier-1 Automotive Suppliers, Auto Components
