Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Onsite Flexibility: Hybrid

Position Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 6 months

Start: June 29, 2026

Pay Rate: $79.05 / Hour (USD)

Travel Requirements: Ability to travel 50% (Domestic and Overseas), including travel to Canada — candidates must have a current valid passport and be able to travel to Canada when necessary.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Job Summary

The Supplier Development & Performance Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end supplier performance improvement across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability. The role drives operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, structured problem-solving, and advanced supplier development strategies while supporting new product launches, supplier readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier performance management across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability including KPI tracking and reviews.
• Develop and execute supplier quality and delivery improvement plans to reduce SPPM and ensure on-time delivery.
• Perform supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and supplier training using Six Sigma and Lean methods, including Kaizen initiatives (e.g., VSM, TPM, takt optimization, changeover reduction, standard work, etc).
• Lead structured problem solving (8D and root cause analysis) and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier readiness for new product launches, including APQP, PPAP, and process validation.
• Validate supplier capacity, scalability, and technical capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments across quality, processes, and capacity.
• Manage supplier-related programs management for NPI, ramp-ups, and recovery initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, operations, and quality.
• Establish governance, define KPIs, and drive supplier performance standards.

Required Skills

• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Program & Project Management, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity analysis, quality systems.
• Proven experience in supplier performance improvement and recovery initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• High level of resilience, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in matrix and cross-cultural environments.
• Proven ability to coach and develop supplier capabilities.
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of experience planning, monitoring, and optimizing capacity (people, systems, infrastructure, or production capability) to align with current and future demand.
• Must have started on a production floor and worked their way up through the ranks.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering — the person must have "lived" capacity optimization and not just talk about it.

Preferred Skills

• Proven experience with new product integration, outsourcing, and greenfield operations preferred.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain.

Required Experience

• 10 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, plant quality, manufacturing, or supply chain.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

About the Client

Leading provider of intelligent building solutions including digital systems for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Job Number: 26-07072

#LI-GTT #LI-Hybrid