Manager, Supplier Development Engineering - Wiring Assemblies

Eaton Corporation•Raleigh, NC

11d•$146,000 - $215,000

About The Position

Eaton’s Corporate Sector is seeking a Manager, Supplier Development Engineering for the wiring assemblies category. The role leads a team of Supplier Development Engineers responsible for developing supplier manufacturing capability, capacity, scalability, and operational readiness to support current and future business requirements. It drives supplier performance improvement through structured strategies focused on manufacturing excellence, capacity readiness, operational maturity, new product introduction, supplier transfers, and business growth. The manager provides leadership for supplier capability assessments, development plans, risk mitigation, and strategic supplier improvement initiatives. The position works closely with Supplier Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and business leadership to help suppliers meet quality, delivery, cost, capacity, and growth objectives. It also develops the Supplier Development Engineering team and establishes consistent methodologies, governance, metrics, and best practices across the supplier network. The expected annual salary range is $146,000–$215,000. The position is eligible for a variable incentive program, and relocation assistance is provided. Domestic and international travel to supplier locations and Eaton facilities is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
At least 8 years of experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field.
At least 3 years of leadership experience managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives.
Strong project and program management skills.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Strong business acumen and technical judgment when assessing supplier and operational risks.
Ability to balance short-term business needs with long-term supplier capability development.
Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed global organization and influence executive stakeholders and supplier leadership without direct authority.
Ability to lead through ambiguity while maintaining disciplined execution and accountability.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations and Eaton facilities.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the wiring assemblies category.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational excellence, and supplier development methodologies.
Proven experience leading supplier capability improvement and recovery initiatives.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Experience with capacity planning, industrialization, and production readiness assessments.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute supplier development strategies for assigned regions, commodities, or business segments, setting priorities, objectives, and resource allocation.
Lead, coach, and develop Supplier Development Engineers; establish performance expectations, development plans, technical capability-building programs, and succession plans.
Oversee supplier capability, manufacturing, operational, and capacity risk assessments; ensure risks are identified proactively and mitigation plans are established, executed, and sustained.
Drive supplier manufacturing excellence using Lean principles, Six Sigma, process capability improvement, advanced quality tools, material flow optimization, and structured problem-solving.
Assess and manage supplier production capacity, scalability, and operational readiness for forecasted demand, growth initiatives, new product introductions, localization, and footprint optimization.
Ensure supplier readiness for product launches, capacity expansions, industrialization projects, insourcing and outsourcing activities, supplier transitions, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Establish consistent processes and standards for supplier capability assessments, operational reviews, manufacturing audits, production readiness evaluations, and supplier development planning.
Collaborate with Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Procurement to support supplier readiness through product development, APQP, PPAP, industrialization, and launch.
Align supplier development priorities with business objectives through partnership with Procurement, Supplier Quality, Operations, Engineering, Materials Management, Planning, and business leadership.
Establish and monitor KPIs for supplier development activities, team effectiveness, supplier capability improvements, risk reduction, capacity readiness, and operational performance.
Drive standardization, knowledge sharing, process improvements, and global best practices; promote continuous improvement across the supplier base and supplier development organization.