Supplier Development Specialist

Kelvion Products•Catoosa, OK

About The Position

The Supplier Development Specialist ensures suppliers consistently provide materials, components, and services that meet quality, technical, delivery, regulatory, and customer requirements for direct materials and services. The role works with suppliers to evaluate performance, resolve quality issues through corrective and preventive actions, conduct supplier audits and capacity-verification Run at Rates, support new supplier qualification and sourcing, and ensure supplier readiness for production. It evaluates and approves supplier production part submissions (KPAPs/PPAPs), oversees safe launch activities for new parts and changes, and drives supplier development and continuous improvement to reduce supply chain risk. The position also supports Kelvion’s Standard of Excellence by incorporating quality into products and following company policies and procedures, including its business principles, ethics and conduct, vision and values, and operational framework. Travel to suppliers is required as needed. The job description includes physical demands such as frequent standing and reaching, occasional walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and occasional hand lifting or moving of objects up to 50 pounds. The work environment is not further specified.

Requirements

A BA or BS degree is preferred, with a preference for a technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality or a related field in a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949; the education and experience section says ISO 9001 must be understood and IATF 16949 is preferred.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
Experience leading root-cause analysis and corrective-action processes using methods such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
Ability to work independently from general supervision and with minimal supervision once given direction or guidance.
Effective oral and written communication with personnel and management at all levels, internally and externally.
Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, including the ability to process numbers quickly and produce charts or other documents.
Ability to handle multiple changes and respond quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Assertive, hands-on approach and good attention to detail.
Good project and time-management skills.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet strict time frames.
Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Basic understanding of statistical concepts.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to promote teamwork.
Ability to travel to suppliers as required.
Experience with statistical analysis software and quality tools.
Experience supporting new product introduction, supplier changes, and supplier development initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to metal fabrication and welding operations.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
IATF 16949 knowledge is preferred.
A BA or BS degree in a technical field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor supplier performance through supplier scorecards and KPIs.
Support supplier root-cause and corrective-action investigations.
Manage supplier-related crises by leading response activities, managing escalations, coordinating communication across teams, and mitigating impacts.
Drive supplier development and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Evaluate, qualify, and approve new suppliers based on technical capability, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and risk assessments.
Determine supplier suitability for specific parts, components, services, or product families through technical reviews and feasibility assessments during sourcing.
Develop supplier audit plans and conduct supplier audits and quality-system assessments.
Support review and approval of supplier KPAP/PPAP documentation and production part submissions.
Verify supplier capacity through Run at Rates.
Plan and oversee safe launch activities for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier-related changes to ensure product quality during ramp-up.
Review supplier change requests.
Ensure compliance with quality management systems and customer-specific requirements.
Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure quality requirements are met.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Incorporate Kelvion’s Standard of Excellence, including quality, into products.
Follow company policies and procedures, including the Global Code of Business Principles, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Vision and Values, and Operational Framework.
Travel to suppliers as required.