Lead supplier quality across an assigned supply base, integrating quality into procurement and supply chain. Own supplier qualification, audits, SCAR/CAPA, APQP/PPAP, and supplier performance metrics. Drive continuous improvement, risk assessment, supplier development, and cross-functional alignment. Build high-performing teams and manage supplier relationships to improve incoming quality, material availability, COPQ, and customer satisfaction.
Job Description:
The Director of Supplier Quality is responsible for leading supplier quality as it relates to performance, execution, and results across an assigned supply base. This role ensures that supplier quality is fully integrated into the procurement and supply chain lifecycle, driving measurable improvements in incoming quality, material availability in support of Production, material rejection as a component of total cost, and overall customer satisfaction.This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective supplier-facing processes, ensuring a robust qualification process is followed, ongoing compliance, and continuous improvement. The Director partners closely with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management—along with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations—to align sourcing and supplier strategies, manage supplier risk, resolve issues through disciplined problem-solving, and build a proactive supplier quality culture.
Primary Duties:
- Lead supplier quality performance with accountability for key metrics including incoming defects (PPM), supplier corrective action cycle time, supplier on-time responsiveness, and supplier-related Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
- Partner directly with the Supply Chain team to develop and execute supplier quality strategies across the supply base, including supplier segmentation, risk assessment, and development plans for critical and high-risk suppliers, aligned with Category Management’s supply chain resiliency objectives and category strategies
- Own Quality-related supplier qualification and onboarding requirements, including supplier assessments/audits, capability reviews, and quality agreements aligned to enterprise standards
- Partner with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management to embed quality into sourcing decisions, category strategies, supplier selection, and change management, ensuring quality expectations are clearly defined, contracted where applicable, and verified
- Lead response to supplier-related nonconformances, including containment, disposition support, and corrective/preventive actions (SCAR/CAPA), ensuring timely resolution and prevention of recurrence
- Drive disciplined problem-solving with suppliers using root cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3) and verify effectiveness through validation and sustained performance monitoring
- Define and continuously improve incoming inspection and supplier control plans based on risk, historical performance, and critical-to-quality characteristics
- Ensure effective execution of supplier-related requirements within the enterprise Quality Management System (QMS), including supplier audits, approved supplier lists, and documentation/records control
- Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to support part qualification and changes (e.g., APQP/PPAP or equivalent), ensuring robust validation prior to launch or implementation
- Monitor and analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities; in partnership with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management, communicate performance through supplier scorecards, business reviews, and escalation/governance routines as needed
- Engage with key supplier Quality executives and develop strategic relationships to ensure alignment with company objectives and prioritize performance improvements
- Build and develop high-performing supplier quality teams, strengthening capabilities in auditing, problem-solving, data analysis, and supplier development
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-focused quality with suppliers and internal partners
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive experience in supplier quality leadership
- 5+ years of experience leading Supplier quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization.
- Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferred
- Proven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to quality
- Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Strong business acumen with the ability to connect quality performance to operational and financial outcomes
- Dynamic, driven and can-do mindset
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive experience in supplier quality leadership
- 5+ years of experience leading Supplier quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization.
- Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferred
- Proven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor.
Essential Mental and Physical Functions:
- Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively from shop floor employees to executive leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results across geographically dispersed teams
- Capability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountability
- Ability to travel between manufacturing sites as required
- Ability to work in and navigate production floor environments, including standing, walking, and exposure to typical manufacturing conditions
Work Environment
- This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environments
- Regular exposure to production facilities, including shop floor conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
- Requires adherence to all safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in manufacturing areas
- Travel to company locations and is expected up to 60% of the time, with occasional travel to suppliers or customers as needed.
Disclaimer:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.
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