Supplier Development Manager

Storm Industries•Carson, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supplier Development Manager develops, implements, and maintains a supplier development system to ensure reliable product quality, continuous improvement, and efficiency across internal operations and the supply base. The role develops new and existing suppliers through technical assessments, process audits, manufacturing support, and corrective-action management. As a technical liaison between internal teams and suppliers, the Manager aligns supplier activities with IPD quality standards, improves process capability, and supports warranty and product issue resolution. The position is accountable for quality objectives and for demonstrating Storm Industries Core Values. The Manager leads and develops the Quality Assurance and Supplier Development teams, mentors team members, and promotes quality awareness and accountability across departments. Travel is approximately 20–30%, mostly to supplier sites; a valid passport and ability to travel internationally are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality management, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in sourcing, quality, and/or supplier development within a manufacturing environment.
Proven technical competency in supplier audits, process capability, and quality systems.
Proficiency in SPC, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, and APQP methodologies.
Experience with FAI and inspection-system development.
Skill in structured problem-solving tools, including 8D, DMAIC, 5 Why, and Fishbone.
Strong analytical and reporting skills, including Excel, Minitab, and ERP systems.
Experience preparing a company for an ISO 9001 audit.
Experience with various manufacturing processes and production-capacity calculations, including PPMH and takt time.
Strong leadership, organization, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills; ability to multitask and oversee multiple priorities.
Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement, build collaborative relationships, and communicate with customers, clients, and employees at all organizational levels.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on problem-solving approach; able to implement effective, repeatable processes and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion; demonstrate ethics, accountability, ownership, adaptability, and organizational discipline.
Track record of customer focus and practical problem resolution.
Self-starter with motivation and willingness to grow and learn; able to complete projects to required quality standards.
Ability to demonstrate and actively promote Storm Core Values.
Valid passport and ability to travel internationally; travel is approximately 20–30%, mostly to supplier sites.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of IATF 16949; the posting identifies it as preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain supplier process-control methodologies, including SPC, Cp/Cpk, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
Lead process validation and capability studies with suppliers for new and existing production processes.
Support suppliers in implementing process controls and mistake-proofing techniques.
Conduct supplier audits to assess quality systems, process capability, and risk before approval; ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPD supplier quality requirements.
Lead ongoing supplier audits focused on process capability, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.
Maintain supplier scorecards and communicate results through quarterly performance reviews.
Follow up on corrective actions and monitor the effectiveness of supplier improvements.
Lead cross-functional quality, waste-reduction, and process-optimization projects using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
Champion continuous improvement across internal and supplier networks; identify cost-of-quality opportunities and execute cost-reduction strategies.
Support root-cause analysis using 8D, 5 Why, and Ishikawa methods, and implement permanent corrective and preventive actions with Supply Chain.
Collaborate with suppliers and customers to resolve product issues and warranty claims effectively and promptly.
Prepare technical quality reports, supplier audit summaries, trend analyses, performance metrics, and KPIs for management review.
Act as the primary quality liaison between internal departments and suppliers, communicating specifications, quality alerts, and performance expectations.
Represent the Quality function in customer and supplier meetings as required.
Lead and develop the Quality Assurance and Supplier Development teams; mentor team members on root-cause analysis, audit techniques, and data-based decision-making.
Promote quality awareness and accountability across departments.
Perform other duties as required.