Supplier Development Manager

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Supplier Development Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an advanced supplier development system that ensures reliable product quality, continuous improvement, and efficiency across internal operations and the supply base. The position focuses on developing new and existing suppliers through technical assessments, process audits, and manufacturing & corrective action management. Acting as a technical liaison between internal teams and suppliers, the Manager ensures alignment with IPD’s Quality standards, drives process capability improvements, and supports warranty and product issue resolution. The Supplier Development Manager is responsible for achieving quality objectives while exhibiting Storm Industries Core Values.

A. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular Functions Include:

Process Control – External

• Establishes and maintains process control methodologies (SPC, Cp/Cpk, PFMEA, Control Plans) across supplier operations.
• Leads process validation and capability studies along with suppliers for new and existing production processes.
• Supports suppliers in implementing robust process controls and mistake-proofing techniques.

Supplier Development – New & Current Suppliers

• Conducts supplier audits assessing quality systems, process capability, and risk level prior to approval.
• Ensures compliance with ISO 9001 and IPD’s supplier quality requirements.
• Leads ongoing supplier audits focusing on process capability, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintains supplier scorecards and communicate results through quarterly performance reviews.
• Drives corrective action follow-up and monitor the effectiveness of supplier improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Leads cross-functional projects to improve quality, reduce waste, and optimize processes using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Champions continuous improvement initiatives across both internal and supplier networks.
• Identifies cost-of-quality opportunities and execute cost reduction strategies.

Support on Product Issues and Warranty Claims

• Supports root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and implement permanent corrective and preventive actions along with Supply Chain.
• Collaborates with suppliers and customers to ensure effective and timely issue resolution.

Technical Reporting

• Prepares technical quality reports, supplier audit summaries, and trend analyses for management review.
• Provides detailed quality performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Communication – Internal and External

• Serves as the primary liaison for quality matters between internal departments and suppliers.
• Maintains clear, consistent communication regarding specifications, quality alerts, and performance expectations.
• Represents the Quality function in customer and supplier meetings as required.

Travel required: approximately 20-30% (mostly supplier sites). Must have a valid passport and ability to travel internationally.

Other duties as required.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Leads and develops the Quality Assurance and Supplier Development teams.
• Mentors team members on root cause analysis, audit techniques, and data-based decision-making.
• Promotes a culture of quality awareness and accountability across all departments.

B. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality management, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in sourcing, quality, and/or supplier development within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience and technical competencies for supplier audits, process capability, and quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 preferred).

Required Behaviors and Competencies include:

• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving approach.
• Expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and ownership.
• Demonstrates time management, adaptability, and organizational discipline.
• Track record demonstrating strong customer focus and practical problem resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to implement effective processes and apply structured problem-solving tools.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Comfortable in cross-functional environments with ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Hands-on, self-starter with ability to complete projects and resolve problems in a timely manner with the quality required.
• Strong organization skills with ability to multitask and oversee multiple priorities.
• Highly motivated with willingness to grow and learn.
• Expertise in establishing, implementing, and executing repeatable processes.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to demonstrate Storm Core Values.

Professional/Technical Training and Skills include:

• Proficient in SPC, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, and APQP methodologies.
• Experienced with FAI and inspection system development.
• Skilled in problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, 5 Why, Fishbone).
• Strong analytical and reporting skills (Excel, Minitab, ERP systems).
• Experienced with preparing a company for the ISO 9001 audit.
• Experienced with various manufacturing processes.
• Experienced with production capacity calculation (PPMH; TAKT TIME).

C. CORE VALUES:

Ability to actively promote Storm Core Values of:

• Building Enduring Customer Value
• Passionately Pursue Excellence
• Works as a Team/Win as a Team
• Optimize Results
• Work with Integrity/ Build Trust