Job Overview

Ensures supplier compliance with quality standards and specifications through audits, inspections, and corrective actions.

Job Requirements

• Participate in supplier selection and pre-RFQ risk evaluation activities for new business opportunities.
• Drive supplier development activities and support closure of identified audit gaps.
• Ensure supplier compliance with APQP requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Review supplier manufacturing feasibility commitments related to product and process requirements.
• Evaluate and approve supplier PPAP documentation in accordance with AIAG, VDA, customer, and TE requirements.
• Monitor APQP project progress and drive timely completion of supplier deliverables.
• Conduct Run-at-Rate assessments, capacity validations, and manufacturing readiness reviews for high and medium risk components.
• Train suppliers on APQP, PPAP, Safe Launch, and TE quality requirements.
• Support implementation of lessons learned from previous projects to improve launch quality performance.
• Ensure validation of all significant and special characteristics during product development and qualification phases.
• Coordinate process release and Safe Launch implementation activities with Supplier Quality and cross-functional teams.
• Manage supplier quality issues during pre-serial phases and drive corrective action closure using 8D methodology.
• Maintain supplier approval documentation and ensure proper archival within quality management systems.
• Prepare and communicate regular project status reports related to supplier readiness, APQP milestones, and PPAP approvals.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams to proactively manage supplier risks and ensure successful product launches.

Education and Knowledge

• BE / B.Tech (Mechanical / Production / Automotive / Industrial Engineering)
• Strong understanding of Supplier Quality Management processes.
• Thorough knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA, and Process Flow Charts.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Understanding of VDA 6.3 process audits and supplier assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as Injection Moulding, Stamping, Die Casting, Machining, Wiring Harness, Assembly, and Surface Treatment.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving tools.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, and measurement systems.
• Exposure to SAP and quality management systems is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Lean Product Development, Safe Launch, and Supplier Development methodologies is desirable.

Critical Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Manufacturing Quality within the Automotive Industry.
• Proven experience in supplier APQP execution and PPAP approval processes.
• Experience conducting supplier assessments, audits, and supplier development initiatives.
• Hands-on experience with FMEA, Control Plan development, process validation, and quality planning activities.
• Experience managing supplier complaints and corrective action processes using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Exposure to customer and supplier interactions within a global automotive environment.
• Experience supporting new product launches and industrialization projects.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% for supplier development and qualification activities.

Competencies