Supplier Development Engineer I

Job Summary:

We are currently seeking a Supplier Development Engineer role to be based in Minnetonka, MN. This individual is responsible optimizing quality, cost, and productivity within King’s network of contract manufacturing partners and supply chain. Is the point person driving technical initiatives fostering strong relationships between King and supply chain partners which includes identifying, recommending, and implementing improvements supporting growth.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement and maintain detailed work instructions & quality requirements for manufacturing.
• Review & approve supplier documentation such as standard operating procedures, critical to quality characteristics, control plans, and other means used to define products, and services are produced to KTI requirements.
• Manufacturing subject matter expert in the new product development process.
• Lead early supplier involvement efforts as liaison between engineering and the contract manufacturing supply chain.
• Provide input to internal and external stakeholders for design, manufacturing, material specifications, and manufacturing procedures ensuring products are adequately manufactured.
• Lead the transition from design to implementation phase essential to a successful production launch.
• Measure supplier performance and drive accountability through regular reviews.
• Develop and use KPIs to measure performance and communicate status.
• Lead preventive/corrective action teams to resolve production, customer, and supplier issues (e.g., nonconformance's, CAPA activities, audit findings, complaint investigations, etc.).
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to investigate and resolve quality or compliance issues discovered.
• Assess supply chain risk, develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop suppliers as required by ongoing and future business needs.
• Validate supplier proposals for improvements and manage implementation when justified.
• Partner with suppliers to remove waste focusing on people, process, and systems.
• Manage KTI’s operating equipment useful life.
• Provide input for capital planning.
• Identify when to improve or replace.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent with minimum of 3 years’ experience
• General knowledge of core manufacturing processes including injection and blow molding, small part assembly, and consumer packaging.
• Experience with qualification standards and development tools such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) for supplier development
• Self-motivated, results oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations
• Ability to travel in support of job function (plants, customers, suppliers, etc.)
• Embrace and foster company values of Integrity, Excellence, People Chemistry, Golden Rule, Courage and Servant-Leadership.