YourLiebherrCareer: Supplier Quality Manager

Liebherr•Newport News, VA

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for managing supplier quality performance with current and potential suppliers in support of LME’s business objectives. The role communicates quality requirements to suppliers and focuses on systems and processes that build quality into supplied components. It manages initial assessments of potential goods and service suppliers through audits to assess their quality and operational capability to meet LME specifications, and uses performance metrics to identify suppliers who may need coaching. The position leads the development and management of a diverse supply base, working with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, suppliers, and other LME groups to improve supplier capability and support product quality, innovation, cost reduction, responsiveness, and delivery. It develops supplier-related processes and plans for product development involvement, process control, capability, and sustainability, and promotes continuous improvement and proactive corrective actions. The manager supervises a Supplier Quality team of 4 to 8 direct reports and is responsible for the team’s direction, coordination, and evaluation, including hiring, training, work assignment, performance appraisal, and addressing employee concerns. The position is eligible to work from home and requires domestic and international travel up to 25% of the time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
6 to 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver license and passport.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Candidates must apply through the online career portal; resumes submitted via email will not be reviewed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct efficient assessments of potential suppliers’ quality systems.
Work with LME Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure supplier capabilities match requirements.
Lead processes and tools to evaluate, manage, and develop a diverse supply base in support of LME objectives for product quality, innovation, supplier cost reduction, responsiveness, and delivery.
Work with suppliers and LME functional groups to develop supplier quality capability.
Develop processes to ensure suppliers are included in product development programs.
Develop supplier plans for process control, capability, and sustainability.
Promote supplier-led initiatives to develop innovative products.
Promote continuous improvement and cost reduction with existing and new suppliers.
Investigate quality trends and develop proactive corrective action programs.
Manage supplier process improvements when quality issues result from process deficiencies and evaluate supplier capability for product improvement.
Assist in identifying, communicating, and resolving supplier quality problems.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the Supplier Quality team of 4 to 8 direct reports.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.