Senior SPM Engineer

Let's introduce ourselves

The Senior Supplier Performance Management secures supplier readiness and stable performance from sourcing through launch and serial production. The role is the senior technical and operational lead for interior components and injection-molded parts, combining strong manufacturing knowledge, automotive quality core tools, launch execution, and supplier escalation leadership. The position leads cross-functional recovery activities and influences internal and external stakeholders without relying on direct reporting authority.

What you'll do

• Mentor, coach, and develop less-experienced Supplier Performance Managers through continuous feedback and technical guidance.
• Own supplier performance for quality, delivery, capacity, launch readiness, cost, and continuous improvement.
• Identify risks early and drive mitigation, recovery, escalation, and accountability plans.
• Partner with Global Category teams to support sourcing and supplier performance strategies.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, performance reviews, and sourcing evaluations using a risk-based approach.
• Drive sustainable corrective actions and verify effectiveness before closure.
• Lead supplier cost‑saving initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as the senior technical expert for interior parts, injection molding, and related secondary manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate molding processes, tooling, materials, dimensional capability, appearance standards, and manufacturing stability.
• Challenge suppliers to identify true root causes and implement robust preventive controls.
• Lead supplier execution of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, capability studies, Run-at-Rate, and capacity verification activities.
• Ensure traceability between requirements, special characteristics, risks, controls, and reaction plans while driving SEMAT and VQE activities.
• Lead structured problem‑solving using 8D and other root‑cause methodologies.
• Drive supplier readiness for new product launches, process changes, capacity increases, and vehicle programs through stable serial production.
• Lead complex supplier escalations and cross‑functional recovery efforts, including supplier task forces, war rooms, on‑site support, and executive reviews.

What you'll bring

• Technical university degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality, materials, plastics, mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant automotive experience in supplier quality, supplier development, manufacturing engineering, launch management, process development, or quality engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with automotive interior parts and injection‑molding processes.
• Practical experience launching new components, manufacturing processes, production lines, or vehicle programs.
• Advanced applied knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, process capability, 8D, Run at Rate, and capacity verification.
• Proven ability to lead supplier escalations and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong analytical, planning, communication, presentation, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English; ability to travel domestically and internationally based on supplier and business needs.
• Collaborates:Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Drives results:Consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.
• Self‑development:Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Builds trust:Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Role Competencies, to be Focused

• Ensures accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Plans and aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Manages complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Identifies critical data, detects early problem signals, probes root causes, and applies systematic problem‑solving methods.
• Optimizes work processes: Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Customer focus: Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer‑centric solutions
• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role but is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be assigned at any time based on business needs.

Let's talk benefits

• Join Volvo Cars and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits designed with you in mind. Our programs offer choice, flexibility, and exceptional value, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and a wellness program with discounts and gifts, most of which start on day one of employment. You'll also have access to voluntary benefits and a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• As part of our commitment to your well‑being, we offer The Family Bond by Volvo Cars, a global paid parental leave policy covering all employees, including adoptive, permanent care foster, and surrogate parents. Additionally, employees and their eligible family members can lease a new Volvo at discounted rates through the Volvo Employee Lease Program (VELP). At Volvo Cars, our benefits extend beyond the workplace to enhance your life and support your family.

Volvo Car is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.