Supplier Development Specialist

Parker Hannifin • Kearney, NE

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Supplier Development Specialist is responsible for driving supplier performance improvement, supporting supplier quality initiatives, and resolving supplier-related issues that impact quality, delivery, cost, and overall business performance. This role partners closely with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to improve process capability, ensure compliance with contractual requirements, and support continuous improvement across the supply base. The ideal candidate will have strong supplier development experience, solid analytical and technical skills, and the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders through data-driven problem solving, effective communication, and a strong understanding of lean principles.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to understand supplier processes, business practices, and performance data.
• Experience working with supplier scorecards, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience conducting supplier audits or supporting supplier qualification activities.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems, quality systems, or supplier management platforms is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use data to support decisions and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Must be an innovator and actively support lean enterprise principles and practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, aerospace, industrial, automotive, or engineered products environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, 8D, ISO, AS9100, or other quality and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of procurement, sourcing, supplier risk management, and total cost of ownership.
• Experience with Power BI or other data visualization tools.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations, scorecards, key performance indicators, and business expectations.
• Lead and support supplier development activities focused on improving quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and process capability.
• Identify supplier performance gaps and work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans, improvement roadmaps, and sustainable solutions.
• Participate in supplier site audits and coordinate supplier audits with cross-functional teams to evaluate supplier capability, quality systems, and overall readiness.
• Support supplier quality management activities, including root cause analysis, corrective action follow-up, and verification of effective countermeasures.
• Track, analyze, and report supplier performance metrics, including delivery performance, quality performance, output, and process improvement progress.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to address supplier-related risks, escalations, and improvement opportunities.
• Promote lean enterprise principles and continuous improvement practices across the supplier base.
• Support supplier onboarding, qualification, development, and ongoing performance reviews as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of supplier performance, audit results, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
• Career development and tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and 13 Company-Paid Holidays.

What This Job Offers

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