Supplier Quality Lead

Role & responsibilities

Head of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)

safety-critical components

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