Drive quality for assigned suppliers, including quality plan implementation. Select suppliers through qualification processes. Own supplier results, drive improvements utilizing supplier scorecards. Own supplier audits, ensuring compliance, and driving improvement plans where needed. Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market
Roles and Responsibilities
- Includes both Supplier Quality Assurance and Supplier Quality Development. Includes supplier qualifications, action plans, audits, performance monitoring, and assisting key suppliers towards industrial standards of excellence. SQEs have various levels of differentiation which are related to level of technical understanding of engineering drawings and ability to manage vendors.
- Leading and managing Team of SQE and SQI for India Region, to ensure SQ and sourcing objectives for the business.
- Liase with Global Supplier Quality Leader for implementation of Initiatives identified for region and alignment to Global SQ processes.
- Drive strong partnerships with Engineering and the Sourcing PM&O office counterparts to facilitate cross functional concurrent product and process development
- Develop Supplier Surveillance strategies that define the audit plan in compliance to our QMS requirements, risk mitigation strategies and underwriting expectations.
- Drive Root Cause Analysis investigations where required and driving the team accountable to ensure supplier lead Root Cause Analysis are following an effective 8D methodology when required
- Own accountability for Key Performance Indicators and Targets to Improve for the SQ Bowler
- Set priorities for Supplier Quality and drive the People Performance & Growth cycles to promote talent, growth, and accountability within the Supplier Quality Org.
- Responsible for Supplier Quality in Hydro India
- Lead supplier development strategy, designing the metrics for the function and supplier performance.
- Lead quality audits for suppliers
- Work with Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) team to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirements
- Support Purchasing with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and Health, Safety and Environmental risks (SRG Audits)
- Support new product launches to ensure suppliers are capable of delivering to the required quality standards
- Manage the root cause analysis and corrective actions process of supplier quality issues
- Perform on-site supplier visits for root cause analysis and verification of corrective actions of supplier quality issues
- Review and evaluate supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities within the supply chain Where appropriate work with the supplier directly, create corrective action plans to address process failures
- Review supplier manufacturing processes, collaborate with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities
- Promote the use of customer preferred techniques for continuous improvement such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis
- Review documentation of inspection results across all areas. In appropriate functional areas, this refers to supporting inspection and test status requirements defined by regulations, engineering product specifications or Control Plans
- Monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance understanding any commercial issues and impacts
- Manage the Supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Support regular inspection meetings with representatives from appropriate departments to establish an action plan for improving build quality
- Keep up with current and developing manufacturing and engineering trends that concern product quality
- Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practices/designs and future trends
Required Qualifications
- This role requires advanced experience in the Sourcing & Supplier Quality Engineering. Knowledge level is comparable to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma with relevant experience).
- Bachelor's or Masters Engineering degree from an accredited university or college
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in supplier quality
- Requires approximately 30-50% travel, including international.
Desired Characteristics
- Strong oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems. Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs. Established project management skills.
- Demonstrated experience with Quality Systems, ISO 9001 Quality certifications such as Internal Auditor, Certified Quality Engineer, APQP/PPAP
- Experience with Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing, and knowledge of special processes (Welding, Heat Treatment, Coating, NDT)
- Demonstrated application of Problem Solving methodologies
- Advanced Engineering and/or business degree
- Demonstrated project management and process improvement skills
- Ability to influence others and lead small teams
- Flexibility in handling a diverse and challenging workload
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with fluency in English
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to work in a cross-functional and global team environment
- Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
- Effective problem identification and solution skills
- Proven analytical and organizational abilities
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
