Supplier Quality Manager

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined "Caterpillar Inc.", further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting‑edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day. Job Purpose This position can be filled at existing Progress Rail facilities: La Grange, IL or Muncie, IN. The Supplier Quality Manager – is responsible for ensuring that all related components and assemblies supplied to the organization meet or exceed quality standards. The role involves leading the electrical component focused supplier quality strategy, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, and driving continuous improvement to enhance supplier performance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a passion for quality. Key Job Elements Lead and develop the electrical component SQE team. Develop, implement, and improve supplier quality processes. Ensure suppliers meet all company quality standards. Train SQE's to conduct the audits, assessments, and process validations. Execute and report on on‑site supplier audits of assigned potential new suppliers as required by the supplier selection process. Evaluate new and current suppliers within the assigned product scope to verify their capability to meet internal company objectives. Maintain awareness of internal company quality requirements within the supply chain as they pertain to the scope of the assigned product category. Monitor status, evaluate risk and guide assigned suppliers in activities related to production readiness and report to Senior Management on the status of supplier production readiness. Monitor status and provide guidance to assigned suppliers on any corrective actions required as a result of supplier production nonconformances. Prioritize and lead supplier performance improvement projects within the scope of the assigned product category to improve product cost, quality, reliability, throughput and capacity. Report to Senior Management on supplier performance and the status of supplier performance improvement projects. Ensure the SQE team and supply base is trained on critical to quality processes. Provide reinforcement and guidance for meeting supplier quality requirements. Monitor, report status of critical KPIs to Senior Management with defined action plans. Examples CAPA corrective and preventive action reports from suppliers. Maintain action logs for each open supplier improvement project and report to Senior Management on the progress of those projects. Education / Training Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field Advanced Degree and/or professional certification Qualifications & Experience Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing and technical management and at least 5 years at a managerial level. Skills Strong technical understanding of electrical components and manufacturing processes. Proficiency in quality management systems and tools (APQP, QMS, ISO, MSA, SPC, etc.). Excellent problem solving, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a fast‑paced global environment. Ability to read blueprints, understanding of GD&T. Knowledge and experience with ISO 9001 and the AAR M-1003 standard. Advanced understanding of problem‑solving techniques (8D, Shainin, 5 Why, Cause & Effect Diagrams, DMAIC, Statistical Tools, etc.). Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects. Essential and Physical Activities Functions Strength – Position involves work in a standard office environment. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing, walking. Rare lifting. Motion – Position requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with research and central office communications. Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent communications, including both talking and hearing. Work Environment – Position will typically be located in an office environment. Emotional Demands – Position is vital to the organization, as no service or support product can enter multiple Progress Rail facilities without Indirect Sourcing Team; high degree of flexibility and demand with ability to work with a team to accomplish the mission. Safety – Position is primarily limited to general office safety and travel requirements; however, visits to industrial locations may require the use of PPE. Benefits 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting) Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money Flexible Spending Accounts Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Paid Time‑Off (PTO) Employee Assistance Plan Education Assistance Program Employee Recognition Programs Site specific Production and Incentive Plans Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans Site Specific Relocation and Sign‑on Bonus Programs Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full‑time/part‑time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits. Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines. #J-18808-Ljbffr Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company