Manager, Supplier Quality
About The Position
The Manager, Supplier Quality is a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for supplier performance and quality across VSE Aviation’s supply chain. The role helps maintain compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS), drives continuous improvement, and champions the voice of the customer. It oversees supplier initiatives, work transfers, and Material Review Board activities, ensuring supplier-provided products and services meet or exceed company quality standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements. The manager evaluates supplier capabilities, directs corrective actions, and builds long-term supplier partnerships that support operational excellence and compliance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related field, or an additional three years of specific work experience in lieu of a degree.
- Seven years of relevant or technical work experience, including at least four years of leadership experience.
- Audit experience or certification, particularly with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100/AS13100.
- Quality or Quality Management experience.
- Experience with Root Cause Analysis, Risk Management, and Supplier Performance Management.
- Ability to self-manage, set priorities, and demonstrate follow-through.
- Ability to travel to VSE facilities, suppliers, and customer sites.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Selected applicant must undergo a background check and drug testing.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- 10 or more years of experience in Engineering, Quality, and Compliance.
- Eight or more years of aviation experience.
- Eight or more years of leadership experience.
- Knowledge of Quantum Control Software.
Responsibilities
- Support supplier performance evaluations and contribute to vendor approval, selection, and strategic sourcing decisions.
- Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and ensure required product verification steps are followed.
- Oversee supplier corrective actions to support quality, compliance, and zero defects.
- Provide oversight and guidance to Field Quality Engineers, especially for suppliers requiring quality clinics or enhanced support.
- Lead and manage internal and third-party audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and customer requirements.
- Participate in and provide guidance on work transfers and required special processes for unique products in the VSE supply chain.
- Oversee the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of QMS processes, including document and data control.
- Collaborate with process owners and conduct in-person reviews to improve process interaction and efficiency.
- Monitor and analyze quality metrics and performance trends to identify opportunities to improve cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Develop and execute quality plans using risk assessments, critical control points, and preventive and verification measures.
- Conduct VSE supplier surveys, manage customer complaints and product returns, and ensure timely, effective resolution.
- Represent the voice of the customer by promoting customer expectations across departments and aligning work with quality objectives.
- Champion root cause analysis and corrective action to drive continuous improvement and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
- Report QMS performance and improvement opportunities to senior leadership, aligning quality initiatives with organizational goals.
- Report supplier performance to top management and identify improvement needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
