Supplier Quality Assurance

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Role Overview

The SQA Manager is responsible for ensuring all materials, components, and systems from suppliers meet the organization's stringent quality standards and exacting Indian Railways specifications. This role requires deep technical expertise in quality systems (including IATF 16949 and IR standards), robust supplier management capabilities, and a proactive approach to risk mitigation. The incumbent will act as the primary quality liaison with suppliers, driving performance through systematic audits, process validation, and collaborative development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Evaluation, Qualification & Audits

• Conduct comprehensive audits (System, Process, and Product) of suppliers against IATF 16949, IRIS, IRS, RDSO, and internal QMS requirements.
• Lead the qualification process for critical railway components (e.g., Electrical and Electronics for braking and traction systems).
• Evaluate supplier technical capabilities, capacity, and process stability.

1. Standards, Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure supplier adherence to all applicable Indian (IRS, RDSO, CMRS) and international (IATF 16949, ISO 22163) standards and statutory regulations.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of evolving standards and proactively inform suppliers.

1. Non-Conformance & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead investigations into supplier-related Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and complaints.
• Utilize advanced root cause analysis (RCA) tools (8D, 5Why, etc.) and drive robust Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).

1. Supplier Development & Performance Management

• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards tracking KPIs (PPM, OTD, CAPA Closure).
• Drive development initiatives aligned with "Make in India" to help domestic suppliers achieve global benchmarks.
• Facilitate training on critical quality topics.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration & New Product Introduction

• Partner with Engineering, Sourcing, and Project Management teams for supplier selection and New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Review and approve supplier quality plans, control plans, and inspection methodologies.
• Support technical evaluations and commercial negotiations.

1. Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies within the supply base.
• Promote the adoption of digital quality management systems (eQMS) for real-time monitoring and analytics.

1. Documentation & Traceability

• Ensure suppliers maintain impeccable documentation and traceability records (e.g., NDT reports, Material Certificates).
• Maintain a centralized, audit-ready repository of all supplier quality records.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, or Production Engineering. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• 6–10 years of progressive experience in Supplier Quality Assurance within the Railways, Automotive (IATF), or Heavy Engineering sector.
• Desirable Certifications: Lead Auditor in IRIS (ISO 22163) / IATF 16949 or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Proven hands-on experience in conducting process audits, managing PPAP, and applying core quality tools (APQP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC).
• In-depth practical knowledge of Indian Railway Standards (IRS) and RDSO approval processes is critical.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 70-80%) to supplier locations across India.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinker with Operational Excellence: Ability to see the big picture while driving granular quality improvements.
• Resilient and Influential: Strong interpersonal skills to manage supplier relationships in challenging environments.
• Proactive & Solution-Oriented: A mindset geared towards prevention rather than detection.
• Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written skills, with the ability to present data-driven reports to senior management.
• High Integrity and Ethical Standards: Uncompromising commitment to quality and safety.