Supplier Quality Assurance Manager, Steel Towers (m/f/d)

Nordex Group•Chicago, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The role of The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager directly supports the company’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world. The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager for Steel Towers in North America is responsible for ensuring that tower suppliers meet all quality, technical, and contractual requirements throughout the manufacturing process. This role acts as the primary quality representative at supplier facilities, driving compliance, defect prevention, and continuous improvement to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality wind tower components.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or similar)
Minimum 5 years in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or similar roles
Experience in steel structures, wind towers, or heavy industry preferred
Experience working with suppliers in North America is highly valued
Proven experience in audits, RCA, and supplier development
Ability to travel domestic and international locations to project sites and on business as required with the ability to obtain a passport.
Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability.
Ability to meet specific OSHA and ANSI weight limits of 265 lbs. or less
Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical administered by a medical examiner to ensure the ability to safely perform job functions and meet the physical demands of the position
Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.
Properly use applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.
Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment.
Speak and understand English fluently to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members.

Nice To Haves

Additional certifications in Quality (Six Sigma, CQE, Welding Inspector, NDT) are a plus

Responsibilities

Act as the main quality interface between the company and steel tower suppliers across North America
Ensure compliance with technical specifications, quality standards, and manufacturing requirements
Monitor supplier performance across all production stages (raw material, welding, coating, final inspection)
Conduct supplier audits (process, system, product) and lead qualification/requalification processes
Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for non-conformities
Ensure compliance with applicable standards (ISO, EN, AWS, NDT, welding, coating, etc.)
Drive supplier continuous improvement initiatives (quality performance, defect reduction, process optimization)
Track and report supplier KPIs (PPM, NCRs, audit findings, delivery quality)
Coordinate with Engineering, Procurement, and Project teams to resolve technical and quality issues
Support new product introduction (NPI) and validation activities at supplier sites
Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and quality records
Support supplier claims management related to quality deviations
Identify risks in the supply chain and implement mitigation plans
Other Duties as assigned