Supplier Development Engineer

Supplier Development Engineer (Consultant)The Supplier Development Engineer will provide hands-on leadership to stabilize and improve performance at critical suppliers facing quality, delivery, capacity, and operational challenges. This consulting role focuses on assessing and validating recovery plans, removing constraints, developing supplier capabilities, and implementing sustainable operating systems. The position requires extensive travel within the United States and Canada to work directly with supplier teams and drive measurable improvements in manufacturing operations.ResponsibilitiesLead supplier recovery initiatives at critical suppliers to address quality, delivery, capacity, and operational performance issues.Validate, monitor, and refine supplier recovery plans and production performance to ensure sustainable improvement.Conduct detailed value stream analyses to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities across supplier operations.Perform bottleneck and capacity assessments, including application of Theory of Constraints, to optimize throughput and resource utilization.Coach supplier teams in structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, A3, DMAIC, and other root cause analysis tools.Develop and implement KPI management systems to track performance, drive accountability, and support continuous improvement.Conduct accountability reviews with supplier leadership to ensure adherence to recovery plans and operating standards.Evaluate supplier organizational capability, including staffing levels and leadership effectiveness, and recommend improvements.Provide risk assessments and executive-level recommendations to stakeholders regarding supplier performance and mitigation plans.Ensure sustainable ownership of recovery and improvement plans by supplier leadership teams.Develop, standardize, and document Supplier Development processes to support consistent deployment across multiple suppliers.Support production scheduling and capacity planning activities to align supplier capabilities with demand requirements.Collaborate with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives.Utilize SAP and related systems to support data-driven decision-making and performance tracking at supplier sites.Essential Skills10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.Proven supplier development experience with a focus on improving quality, delivery, and operational performance.Hands-on experience in production scheduling and capacity planning.Expertise in bottleneck analysis and Theory of Constraints.Strong background in lean manufacturing principles and tools.Proficiency in structured problem solving using 8D, A3, and DMAIC methodologies.Demonstrated ability to perform thorough root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.Experience developing and managing management operating systems and KPI frameworks.Ability to coach and influence supplier teams and leadership to drive change and sustain improvements.Experience in supplier quality or supplier development roles.Proficiency with SAP for manufacturing and supply chain operations.Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple supplier engagements.Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% within the US and Canada.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in a metal fabrication and assembly environment is preferred.Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement background.Familiarity with DMAIC and other structured continuous improvement frameworks.Strong communication skills for providing executive-level recommendations and status updates.Ability to develop standard processes and documentation for Supplier Development programs.Experience coaching cross-functional teams in continuous improvement and problem-solving techniques.Work EnvironmentThis is a consulting role with a fully remote home base and travel up to 80% of the time to supplier locations across the United States and Canada. The Supplier Development Engineer will spend significant time on-site at manufacturing facilities, working directly on the production floor and in operational offices to support capacity planning, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities. The role involves frequent interaction with supplier leadership and operational teams, use of SAP and other digital tools for data analysis, and participation in structured problem-solving and performance review sessions. Candidates will operate primarily within MST, EST, or CST time zones and should be comfortable with a travel-intensive schedule and dynamic manufacturing environments.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Kohler, WI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80.00 - $100.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.