Senior Manager, Exterior - Supplier Quality Assurance
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Manager to lead and oversee a team of seven Supplier Quality Engineers within the automotive industry. This critical role will be responsible for managing supplier quality from the initial selection phase through to the successful launch of key exterior components such as Bumpers, Fascias, Lighting systems, Exterior trim, Wiper systems, Glass, and Mirrors. The Senior Manager will work closely with internal and external teams to ensure that suppliers meet all quality and performance standards while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 7 Supplier Quality Engineers to ensure effective supplier quality management processes across the entire supply chain for exterior automotive components.
- Oversee the selection, qualification, and evaluation of suppliers, ensuring they meet the necessary quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
- Ensure the successful launch of automotive exterior components, including bumpers, Fascias, lighting, exterior trim, wiper systems, glass, and mirrors, by managing supplier quality through all phases of development.
- Develop and implement supplier quality strategies, processes, and procedures in alignment with company objectives to ensure supplier compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
- Collaborate with product development, engineering, purchasing, and other departments to drive quality improvements and mitigate any potential risks related to the supply base.
- Conduct regular supplier audits, assessments, and quality reviews, providing feedback and corrective actions where necessary to ensure continued quality performance.
- Lead and manage corrective action processes, addressing supplier issues related to quality, performance, and delivery, and driving resolution through effective problem-solving.
- Foster strong relationships with key suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, and innovation.
- Monitor and report on key quality metrics, supplier performance, and progress of quality initiatives to senior management.
- Stay current with industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes related to automotive supplier quality.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s degree or advanced certification preferred).
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive supplier quality management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of automotive industry standards and regulatory requirements related to exterior components (ISO/TS 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, etc.).
- Proven experience managing and leading teams in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
- Expertise in supplier quality systems, process development, and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen, etc.).
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Experience with supplier audits, quality assessments, and managing supplier relationships.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
- Ability to work with multicultural groups.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience with exterior automotive components such as Bumpers, Fascias, Lighting, Exterior trim, Wiper systems, Glass, and Mirrors.
- Certification in Quality Management (e.g., ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Black Belt).
- Advanced proficiency with quality management software and tools.
- Start-up OEM experience.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and holiday schedule.
If you are a dynamic and experienced leader in automotive supplier quality with a passion for delivering top-tier products, we encourage you to apply and join our growing team.
