Supplier Quality and Development Manager

ROLE PURPOSE

The Manager, Supplier Quality & Development, leads the identification, qualification, development, readiness and long term performance of suppliers in low-cost-country (LCC) regions. This leader partners closely with Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations to ensure LCC suppliers are capable, scalable, and aligned with company standards for quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

• Conduct market scans in LCC regions and emerging manufacturing hubs to identify potential suppliers with relevant manufacturing competency and capable of becoming long-term strategic partners.
• Perform supplier assessments covering manufacturing processes, technical capabilities, quality systems, APQP readiness, financial health and risk exposure.
• Work with Engineering to align supplier capability with product requirements and manufacturability needs.
• Develop and execute supplier improvement strategies and corrective action roadmaps.
• Analyze supplier cost structures and support should‑cost analysis.
• Guide new selected suppliers from initial sourcing into mass production to ensure a smooth incorporation and/or transition of supply. Promptly and proactively address any issues or concerns raised.
• Oversee PPAP submissions, process audits, and quality system compliance for new and existing suppliers.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action activities for quality issues.
• Monitor supplier KPIs (PPM, OTD, scrap, audit scores) and drive continuous improvement plans.
• Support containment, sorting, and recovery activities when required.
• Build strong, trust based supplier relationships while maintaining accountability for performance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality and/or procurement within automotive industry.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship building abilities.
• Deep knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Solid background in cost break down analysis and should-be cost estimates.
• Proven experience developing suppliers in LCC regions.
• Ability to travel internationally as required.