Supplier Quality Manager

Summary:

The Supplier Quality Manager (SQM) is responsible for leading a team of engineers to enhance processes at Bilstein’s suppliers in order to meet the performance metrics outlined for delivery, quality, and value. The Supplier Quality Manager will both lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) while also working directly with key suppliers as assigned. The Supplier Quality Manager and their team is the key conduit between thyssenkrupp BILSTEIN and the supply base, and acts as a resource for suppliers with expertise in quality management systems, advanced product quality planning (APQP), and internal Bilstein systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe work environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies in the workplace. Acts as a catalyst to ensure the supply chain’s safety culture reflects our own.
• Provide strong leadership and direction to the Quality Supplier Engineers team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the team, aligning their efforts with the overall objectives of the organization.
• Mentor and coach team members, providing regular feedback, guidance, and support to help them reach their full potential.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning within the team, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.
• Effectively manage team resources, including workload allocation, budget planning, and performance evaluations, to optimize team productivity and effectiveness.
• Lead the evaluation and qualification of potential suppliers, assessing their capabilities, quality management systems, and adherence to industry standards and regulations.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality requirements and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics and scorecards to measure quality, delivery, and value.
• Hold suppliers accountable for meeting performance metrics and drive continuous improvement efforts to address any deficiencies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish clear expectations and standards for supplier performance.
• Utilize Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process to collaborate with suppliers during product development to ensure proactive identification and resolution of quality issues.
• Develop and implement robust quality assurance programs and procedures to ensure incoming materials and components meet specified requirements.
• Establish quality control plans, inspection criteria, and sampling procedures to validate supplier product quality.
• Provide guidance and support to suppliers in implementing quality management best practices and processes.
• Conduct supplier training sessions and workshops to enhance their understanding of quality requirements, APQP process, and expectations.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and internal quality teams, to ensure alignment on quality objectives and priorities.
• Lead cross-functional teams during the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), ensuring timely submission and approval of supplier PPAP submissions.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal teams to facilitate communication and resolve quality-related issues in a timely manner.

Experience & Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a leadership/cross-functional role supporting supplier quality management within the automotive or manufacturing industry, preferably in a Tier 1 OEM supplier environment with high volumes.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, standards (e.g., ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, etc.), and tools (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA).
• Proven experience in supplier evaluation, negotiation, qualification, and performance management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functional and organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in managing a team of quality professionals.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Adequate knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes, including; machining, stamping, forging, casting, DOM tube processing, injection molding, sintering, and assembly.

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation packages, Bilstein of America proudly offers a rich history, steeped in innovation and a lasting commitment to our customers, employees and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.bilsteinrocks.com.

Benefits offered on the first of the month after your employment date:

• Medical, Dental and Optical
• 401(k) with 5% company match (after 90 days of employment)
• Company paid short-term disability (after 6 months employment)
• Paid personal time off
• Annual Company bonus

If you are an applicant with a California residency, please click on the following link:

California Job Applicant Notice of Collection