Regional Supplier Development Leader - EMEA/NA

EKC Advanced Electronics USA•Wimington, DE

About The Position

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics. At Qnity , we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us. The Regional Supplier Development Leader is responsible for driving Qnity Electronics’ regional supplier performance, capability, and risk management while ensuring strong alignment with the Quality Management Systems (QMS) of Qnity’s manufacturing sites. This role leads the deployment and continuous improvement of Qnity’s Supplier Development Program and collaborates closely with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and technology teams across North America and Europe to ensure supplier performance directly enables site operational excellence. The leader is accountable for building a cohesive, standardized supplier quality model that supports both regional business needs and site-level QMS requirements, strengthening Qnity’s overall supply base and manufacturing reliability. Purpose of the Position Serve as the primary regional leader for Supplier Development, ensuring suppliers meet Qnity’s expectations for quality, delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement. Own and evolve Qnity’s Supplier Development Program, establishing standard governance, risk evaluation, supplier performance rating, and improvement processes across the organization. Ensure that supplier development activities are fully integrated with the Quality Management Systems (QMS) at Qnity manufacturing sites, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other applicable standards. Provide direct engagement and support to North American and European manufacturing sites, ensuring supplier quality practices actively support site audits, certifications, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Biology, or related field.
Deep knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and associated quality management standards.
Minimum 10 years of experience in an ISO‑regulated manufacturing environment; strong preference for 15+ years leadership experience.
Accredited ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 Lead Auditor.
Proven expertise in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related technical quality functions.
Demonstrated ability to drive change, lead cross‑functional initiatives, and manage multiple priorities in complex environments.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills; ability to influence at all levels.
Ability to travel 40–50%.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma Black-belt or Master Black-belt certification.
Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM).
Statistical acumen with analytical tools experience.

Responsibilities

Lead regional deployment of a standardized supplier management and performance rating framework—including governance, risk assessment, supplier score carding, and quality oversight.
Centralize supplier performance data and manage quality escalations, ensuring consistent and aligned communication across Qnity businesses.
Partner with Sourcing, Supply Chain, Technology, and Quality teams to evaluate supplier capabilities, qualifications, and risk mitigation strategies.
Drive suppliers to develop and execute robust quality plans, process controls, and standard work that ensure conformance to Qnity, regulatory, and customer expectations.
Lead and resource improvement efforts—including discrete supplier‑focused projects—to enhance quality, capability, delivery, and cost performance.
Plan and execute supplier audits (process, system, product-specific) to validate compliance with Qnity standards and QMS expectations.
Ensure supplier inspection and testing methodologies effectively reduce quality risk and support reliable delivery performance.
Facilitate structured corrective and preventive actions (CAPA/SCAR), ensuring sustainable closure and documented effectiveness.
Serve as the key interface between supplier development activities and manufacturing site Quality Management Systems.
Support sites during internal, customer, and third‑party audits related to supplier management, incoming quality, and externally provided processes.
Provide subject‑matter support for QMS implementation, certification maintenance, and advancement initiatives (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.).
Lead or support cross‑site quality improvement projects to improve QMS effectiveness, reduce risk, and enhance compliance.
Coach and mentor QMS leaders on supplier‑related elements of the management system.
Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Supplier Auditing Program, ensuring cost-effective global implementation.
Develop and maintain a centralized training curriculum for Supplier Development tools (SCARs, Evaluations, Risk Assessments, Audit Reporting, CAR validation).
Optimize and champion the Supplier Development SharePoint site as a central hub for tools, standards, and performance data.
Support corporate planning related to global regulatory, quality, and supply base considerations—including geopolitical, logistics, and risk mitigation strategies.
Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supplier reliability and manufacturing site outcomes.
Serve as an organizational thought leader on advanced monitoring systems (AMS) and supplier-related quality analytics.