Supplier Engineering Manager

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

Manage a team of Supplier Engineers supporting new-product introduction into production and sustaining products already in production for the Multiport business unit. The role leads resolution of complex supplier manufacturing, quality, and business issues, and develops supplier quality systems and manufacturing processes to sustain suppliers and parts effectively. The manager builds a high-performing, sustainable supply chain through supplier strategy, selection, development, and improvement. The role also guides supplier qualification, change management, performance measurement, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Requirements

Proven ability to lead teams in solving complex technical and process problems.
Proven ability to hire capable staff and grow and mentor employees.
Ability to assess supply-base cost and capacity and develop plans to meet strategic targets.
Outstanding analytical skills and sound judgment.
Proficiency in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques; certification is preferred.
Proficiency in pFMEA, process validation, root-cause investigation, inspection, and test techniques.
Knowledge of document management and ERP systems; Agile and SAP are preferred.
Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 is preferred.
Demonstrable knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing processes, including key input variables affecting quality, cost, and capacity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to executives.
Demonstrated project management skills.
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.
At least 8 years of related experience in manufacturing, operations, supplier quality, supplier development, or a related field; significant medical or medical-device experience is preferred.
At least 1 year of experience leading supplier development or supplier quality engineering teams, or equivalent areas.
Ability to travel to suppliers domestically and internationally as needed (25%).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Six Sigma certification.
Knowledge of Agile and SAP systems.
Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485.
Experience in a high-volume medical-device company.
Knowledge of plastics injection molding process development.
Knowledge of plastics extrusion process development.
Knowledge of silicone/elastomer processing.

Responsibilities

Lead supplier engineers in strategic supplier selection, evaluation, development, and improvement to establish and maintain a high-performing, sustainable production supply chain.
Develop and implement a long-term supplier strategy for the product family.
Select and evaluate suppliers aligned with the strategy and influence stakeholders to use the production supply base effectively.
Ensure suppliers comply with the Intuitive quality management system.
Manage supplier quality and lead mitigation of business risks and related challenges.
Manage supplier relationships and promote effective partnerships between Intuitive and suppliers.
Support completion of Production Part Qualification deliverables, including pFMEA, special process validations, FAI, and process capability analysis.
Support transfers of parts and suppliers throughout the product development life cycle.
Plan and implement supplier change management projects using the Supplier Change Request (SCR) process.
Develop and use metrics to measure supplier part quality, capability, cost, capacity, and delivery, and determine when action is needed.
Identify cost-reduction and quality-improvement opportunities; research them and develop data-driven plans for management.
Drive continuous improvement in supplier business and manufacturing performance using project management, Six Sigma, Lean, SPC, and negotiation practices.
Review, analyze, and close non-conformances and first article inspections; assess risk analyses and justifications, determine supplier corrective and preventive actions (SCAR), and identify ways to prevent recurrence.
Lead the team in resolving complex manufacturing process issues involving components and assemblies.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and influence improvements to supplier engineering processes.
Hire, grow, and mentor capable staff.
Travel to domestic and international suppliers as needed (25%).