Supp Qty Mgr

Global Supplier Quality Leader

Reports to: Director of Supply Chain Management

Job Summary

The Global Supplier Quality Leader ensures that suppliers across Dodge’s global supply chain consistently meet high-quality standards. This role focuses on proactive quality management, supplier development, and continuous improvement to enhance product reliability and operational efficiency. The position requires strong leadership in supplier quality processes, problem-solving, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. This role plays a key part in aligning supplier quality initiatives with broader business objectives and ensuring the overall success of the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management & Compliance

• Establish, document, and continuously improve the supplier quality management system.
• Define quality control procedures, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for supplier-provided materials and components.
• Manage supplier approval and re-evaluation processes, including on-site audits and assessments.
• Ensure compliance with industry-specific quality standards (e.g., ISO) and internal quality policies.
• Monitor supplier performance using key quality metrics, including defect rates, corrective actions, and delivery reliability.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential quality issues in the supply chain and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain quality-related documentation, including supplier quality records, audit reports, and performance evaluations.
• Coordinate and standardize supplier quality management practices across Dodge’s global locations.

Proactive Supplier Quality Focus

• Drive a proactive approach to supplier quality through Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to suppliers on best practices for quality management and defect prevention.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance product quality and reduce variability.
• Facilitate the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with suppliers to ensure sustainable quality improvements.
• Lead supplier quality improvement projects, leveraging methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Establish supplier development programs to drive long-term quality performance and adherence to best practices.

Supplier Relationship & Collaboration

• Work closely with sourcing, engineering, and manufacturing teams to align supplier quality objectives with company goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison for supplier quality matters, ensuring clear communication and resolution of quality concerns.
• Partner with suppliers to foster strong relationships and establish a collaborative approach to quality assurance.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and dissemination of quality-related information across the supplier network.
• Represent Dodge in supplier meetings, external quality forums, and industry associations to stay updated on best practices.

Quality Assurance & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Establish supplier quality performance metrics, targets, and KPIs to measure supplier compliance and continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize data analysis tools to monitor trends, identify risks, and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, FMEA, and Fishbone Diagrams.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports on supplier quality performance, providing insights for executive leadership.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) processes by ensuring supplier quality readiness and validation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field; an advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Engineering) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in supplier quality management, preferably in a global, multi-site environment.
• Leadership: At least 5 years of experience managing supplier quality engineers and leading cross-functional teams.
• Technical Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of quality management principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g., APQP, PPAP, SPC, FMEA, 8D, Six Sigma, Lean).
  • Experience in supplier development programs and relationship management.
  • Familiarity with Dodge Industrial product lines is preferred.
• Certifications: ASQ certifications (CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE) preferred; PMP certification is a plus.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Proficient in data analysis, reporting, and the use of quality management software or statistical tools (e.g., Minitab).
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments, regions, and cultures.
• Industry Experience: Experience working with a global supply base and multiple manufacturing sites.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The Global Supplier Quality Leader role requires a combination of office and manufacturing floor work, along with extensive travel. The physical demands include:

• Lifting & Carrying: Occasionally lift and carry materials up to 40 lbs.
• Standing & Walking: Frequent standing and walking within manufacturing environments, including foundries, steel mills, machine shops, forging shops, and assembly centers.
• Sitting: Extended periods of sitting at a workstation while reviewing reports, analyzing data, or participating in meetings.
• Reaching & Grasping: Frequent reaching, handling, and grasping of materials, tools, and documents.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to operate a computer, type, and use precision inspection tools.
• Communication: Ability to speak clearly in person, over the phone, and through virtual meetings for extended periods.
• Travel:
  • Must be available to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Must have a valid passport and be able to stay in foreign countries for limited periods as required.

Why Join Our Team?

• Lead supplier quality initiatives in a global manufacturing environment.
• Work with cross-functional teams to drive supplier excellence and continuous improvement.
• Opportunity to implement best-in-class quality management systems.
• Influence strategic decision-making and supplier relationships at a global level.
• Contribute to the long-term success and growth of Dodge Industrial.

RBC Bearings offers a competitive benefits package. 

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.