Supervisor, Supplier Quality Development Engineering

Knorr-Bremse • Bowling Green, KY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Supplier Quality Development Engineering interfaces with Bendix CVS suppliers on quality performance and expectations, interpretation of engineering drawings and specifications, and supplier improvement, development, and audits. This is a hands-on supervisory role that combines team leadership with direct management of assigned supplier categories, including SMF (stamping, machining, and forging), IC, and other categories. The role leads supplier improvement and development activities across North America and supports supplier quality matters at the Bowling Green plant and other facilities.

The supervisor oversees direct reports, sets priorities, and ensures tasks and supplier quality issues are tracked and resolved on time. The role coordinates supplier APQP for new products and transitions, including measurement standardization, quality requirements, and on-site PPAP validation. It acts as a liaison among suppliers, group and plant buyers, plant quality, and engineering, and mediates supplier disputes with plant quality. The supervisor conducts supplier approval, development, product-safety, product, and DMI validation audits; reviews supplier PPAPs; and directs teams through quality problems until they are properly resolved and closed.

The position is based on-site in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and requires domestic and/or global travel of up to 60%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or industrial management. Other bachelor’s degrees may be considered with more than 10 years of significant quality management experience.
• At least 3 years of hands-on manufacturing experience in stamping, machining, and/or forging processes.
• At least 5 years of experience in automotive Tier 1 quality.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in several AIAG modules.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000:2000 and TS16949 standards.
• Working knowledge of AIAG modules, including PPAP, SPC, MSA, FMEA, and APQP.
• Working knowledge of audit methodologies, including process audits, walk-the-control-plan audits, and product audits.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using Six Sigma tools and 8D principles.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities; highly motivated and self-starting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including process documentation.
• Project management, follow-up, teamwork, training, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• SAP experience.
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or globally up to 60%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in all AIAG modules.
• Experience auditing to PSA and VDA.
• Knowledge of measurement systems, GD&T, and gauge design.
• Automotive or truck industry experience.
• VDA certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier improvement and development activities across North America, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, India, China, and Europe.
• Proactively engage stakeholders and resources to resolve supplier-related issues at the Bowling Green plant.
• Supervise direct reports and ensure tasks and priority issues are tracked and resolved on time.
• Manage supplier APQP for new products and transitions, including measurement standardization, quality requirements, and on-site PPAP validation.
• Act as liaison among suppliers, group and plant buyers, plant quality, and engineering.
• Mediate disputes between suppliers and plant quality when problems arise.
• Conduct audits for new supplier approval, supplier development, and product safety, primarily in North America, while supporting other regions.
• Review supplier PPAPs.
• Lead or direct team activities to resolve and properly close supplier product quality problems or defects.
• Conduct product audits and DMI validation audits to identify supplier-process gaps, support a safe launch, and meet project schedules.
• Support other Supplier Quality Supervisors across additional commodity categories as needed to meet business and organizational objectives.
• Coach direct reports through critical quality issues, provide direction, and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, and disability insurance, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and plan documents.
• Company 401(k) plan.
• 120 hours of vacation leave per year.
• 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence per year.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday per calendar year.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Opportunity to purchase company stock, subject to applicable plan documents.
• Annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics, up to 4% of annual salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager