Supplier Quality Assistant Manager

General Summary

The Assistant Manager of Supplier Development supports the planning, prioritization, and execution of departmental objectives while helping coordinate supplier activities and providing mentorship and direction to team members. This role is responsible for analyzing supplier performance metrics, driving corrective actions, and effectively communicating progress and risks to department leadership. Additionally, the position provides ongoing technical guidance and support to suppliers in the areas of quality, process optimization, and capability development. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in driving sustainable performance improvements, leading issue resolution efforts, and ensuring suppliers’ readiness to meet current and future business requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•    Support the effective allocation and prioritization of team workload to ensure the timely execution of supplier development initiatives, key deliverables, and performance improvement activities.
•    Partner with the Section Manager to lead, coach, and develop team members, strengthening their ability to manage supplier performance, address critical issues, negotiate corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost.
•    Assist in executing departmental business plans and tactical initiatives to achieve daily and long-term supplier performance targets aligned with organizational objectives.
•    Drive continuous improvement within the supply base by fostering a competitive and performance-driven environment focused on quality, cost efficiency, delivery reliability, and operational capability.
•    Monitor and analyze supplier performance metrics (quality, delivery, cost), lead root cause analysis, and drive timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
•    Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, proactively managing performance issues and ensuring alignment with company expectations, standards, and long-term business objectives.
•    Drive cross-functional process alignment across all business areas, ensuring integration, standardization, and alignment with organizational goals.
•    Support audit readiness and compliance efforts by ensuring supplier adherence to company requirements, industry standards, and regulatory expectations.

The above typical duties are characteristic of this job and demonstrate a level of difficulty and are not intended to list or limit the duties that may be required or assigned to a team member in this classification.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

•    5+ years of experience in automotive engineering, supply chain, and/or supplier quality; OEM experience preferred.
•    Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field along with two (2) to five (5) years of progressive experience in quality control, quality assurance, or development field in a manufacturing environment preferably in the automotive industry, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Demonstrated knowledge and experience in integrating and managing holistic operational systems across key focus areas, including Change Management, Document Control, Continuous Improvement, Risk Management, Measurement Systems, and Training and Competency.
•    Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in auditing, with the ability to thoroughly document audit findings and communicate results effectively. Demonstrated willingness and flexibility to support audits and perform related compliance activities as required.
•    Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in both exercising company decisions and carrying out essential job duties that affect efficient business operations and its objectives, policies, practices, and conditions.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided for those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

•    Develop and deliver compelling, executive-level PowerPoint presentations, utilizing advanced Excel data analysis and visualization techniques to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of automotive supply chain operations and project management principles, with the ability to support cross-functional coordination and drive project execution.
•    Knowledge of Quality Systems such as PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, SIX SIGMA, TPS, APQP, ISIR, SPC, 8D and ISO is preferred.
•    Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles preferred, including familiarity with continuous improvement tools such as DMAIC, root cause analysis, and waste reduction techniques is preferred.