SUMMARY

The Supplier Development Specialist(SDS) is responsible for overseeing the performance and compliance of transportation carriers and parts manufacturers. This role involves tracking performance metrics, troubleshooting issues, solving problems, and developing training programs and process documentation to ensure suppliers meet customer requirements and company standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performance Tracking and Compliance

1. Monitor and analyze supplier performance metrics to ensure compliance with customer requirements and company standards.
2. Conduct regular audits and assessments of supplier operations and quality control processes.
3. Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance reports.

• Issue Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

1. Identify and resolve issues related to supplier performance, quality, and compliance.
2. Facilitate root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address performance gaps and non-compliance.
3. Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers in addressing and resolving performance-related issues.

• Training and Development

1. Develop and deliver training programs for suppliers to enhance their understanding of customer requirements and quality standards.
2. Create and update process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials.
3. Provide ongoing support and guidance to suppliers to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.

• Collaboration and Communication

1. Collaborate with internal teams, including procurement, quality, operations, and information technology(IT) to align supplier development initiatives with company goals.
2. Communicate performance expectations, feedback, and improvement plans to suppliers.
3. Participate in cross-functional meetings and supplier reviews to discuss performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Continuous Improvement

1. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance and compliance.
2. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to supplier development and quality management.
3. Recommend and drive improvements in supplier development processes and tools.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills
• Strong communication (both verbal and written) - Teaching duties are the primary function of this job.
• Problem solving and decision-making skills
• Develop proactive communication with carriers 
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to utilize web-based Business Intelligence tools to identify downward trends and continuous improvement opportunities
• Must be self-motivated and willing to be flexible in work schedule and hours.
• International Travel (US, Canada, Mexico), at times up to 60% 
• Proven experience and ability to solve problems.
• Good customer relations skills and ability to communicate professionally and effectively with all management levels. 
• Excellent leadership and motivation skills
• Excellent coordination skills
• Must have Passport and be able to travel to and from Mexico, Canada, and U.S.A., as necessary
• Reliable transportation, and ability to drive to carrier sites in other cities
• Ability to grasp new concepts and quickly adapt to changing circumstances/environment
• Desire to be the best at customer service, and training
• Good time management skills and strong ability to manage several projects and tasks at once and excellent ability to prioritize time and efforts
• Ability to analyze problems and opportunities and systematically approach them to make improvements both short term and long term.
• Work with Senior management to solve large systemic issues
• Good discernment skills in knowing when to escalate issues

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field with two years of relevant experience, OR, minimum of five years’ experience in a related field. Automotive logistics experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and other correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before a group of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, basic algebra, and geometry to practical situations. The ability to apply statistical techniques to shipment and delivery data is required.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions for this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position requires the physical ability to work on a computer for several hours at a time. Employees will also be required to drive, long distances to carrier sites, and stay in hotels. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The Employee must present information in a classroom setting, teaching and training for up to 8 hours per day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employees will be working off site at carrier locations and will be required to be flexible to meet a carrier’s needs, while working in unfamiliar locations.