About the role
- Lead Supplier Quality Assurance activities for new and existing suppliers.
- Evaluate, audit, qualify, and develop suppliers in line with company quality standards.
- Conduct supplier process audits, system audits, and manufacturing capability assessments.
- Drive supplier quality improvement through regular reviews, audits, and corrective action plans.
- Handle supplier-related quality issues, line rejections, field failures, and customer complaints.
- Conduct detailed Root Cause Analysis and ensure implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Drive structured problem-solving using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Analysis, Pareto Analysis, and CAPA.
- Monitor supplier performance through quality metrics including PPM, rejection percentage, warranty concerns, audit scores, and closure status.
- Lead APQP and PPAP activities for new parts, new suppliers, engineering changes, and new product development.
- Review and approve supplier documentation including PPAP, Control Plans, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, MSA, SPC, and inspection standards.
- Support supplier development for quality, process capability, productivity, and manufacturing improvements.
- Work closely with suppliers during new product development and product/process changes.
- Conduct supplier visits for process validation, audits, problem-solving, and improvement activities.
- Ensure immediate containment and corrective actions for critical supplier quality issues.
- Support Incoming Quality, Production, Engineering, and Customer Quality teams in resolving supplier-related concerns.
- Coordinate with Procurement and Engineering teams for supplier selection and technical evaluation.
- Drive supplier quality improvement programs and reduction of Cost of Poor Quality.
- Ensure compliance with company, customer, regulatory, and automotive quality requirements.
- Maintain supplier audit records, quality reports, performance dashboards, and improvement trackers.
- Mentor junior Supplier Quality Engineers and support capability development within the quality team.
- Strong understanding of Supplier Quality Assurance and Supplier Quality Development.
- Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, 8D, CAPA, and Root Cause Analysis.
- Good understanding of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive quality systems.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing and inspection processes.
- Experience in supplier process audits and supplier capability assessments.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, tolerances, specifications, and inspection standards.
- Good understanding of measurement systems and quality inspection instruments.
- Knowledge of process capability parameters including Cp, Cpk, Pp, and Ppk.
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
- B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Automobile, Electrical, Electronics, Production, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 9+ years of relevant experience in Supplier Quality Assurance / Supplier Quality Development.
- Experience working with Automotive OEMs, 2-Wheeler OEMs, EV companies, or Tier-1 automotive suppliers is preferred.
- Strong supplier handling and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to independently manage supplier escalations and critical quality issues.
- Strong ownership and follow-up.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Data-driven approach towards quality improvement.
- Ability and willingness to travel to supplier locations as required.
- Strong focus on quality, timelines, and continuous improvement.