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Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership Competencies
Supplier Quality Director
Memphis, TN · ManufacturingPosition Overview
A leading global manufacturer is seeking a highly experienced Supplier Quality Assurance Director to lead and strengthen supplier quality strategies across a complex, multi-site manufacturing operation. This executive-level position will be responsible for developing world-class supplier quality systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, reducing supplier-related risks, and ensuring consistent product quality across the supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in supplier quality management within a high-volume manufacturing environment, along with strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership teams.
Key Responsibilities
A leading global manufacturer is seeking a highly experienced Supplier Quality Assurance Director to lead and strengthen supplier quality strategies across a complex, multi-site manufacturing operation. This executive-level position will be responsible for developing world-class supplier quality systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, reducing supplier-related risks, and ensuring consistent product quality across the supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in supplier quality management within a high-volume manufacturing environment, along with strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the overall supplier quality strategy aligned with operational and business objectives.
- Lead supplier quality performance management initiatives across domestic and international suppliers.
- Establish and maintain supplier qualification, development, audit, and performance monitoring systems.
- Drive supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of quality issues.
- Partner closely with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to improve supplier performance, delivery, and product reliability.
- Lead supplier risk assessments and mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and quality standards.
- Develop KPI dashboards and metrics related to supplier quality, PPM reduction, warranty performance, cost of poor quality, and supplier scorecards.
- Oversee APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and other quality planning activities as applicable.
- Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, industry, and internal quality standards.
- Lead and mentor a team of Supplier Quality Engineers and quality professionals across multiple manufacturing locations.
- Support new product launches and supplier industrialization activities.
- Conduct executive-level reviews with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Collaborate with global sourcing teams to support supplier selection and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Manufacturing Quality leadership roles.
- Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level capacity.
- Strong background within a complex manufacturing environment such as industrial equipment, automotive, HVAC, appliances, heavy manufacturing, or related industries.
- Proven experience managing supplier quality systems across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Extensive knowledge of quality systems, supplier development, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with:
- APQP
- PPAP
- FMEA
- SPC
- Root Cause Analysis
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma methodologies
- Strong understanding of ISO quality standards and supplier auditing processes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence executive stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- ASQ certifications (CQE, CQM, CSSBB) strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting global supply chains and international suppliers.
- Background in metal fabrication, electronics, mechanical assemblies, or engineered products manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading quality transformation and supplier development initiatives.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic and analytical mindset
- Strong decision-making capabilities
- Results-oriented leadership style
- High sense of urgency and accountability
- Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Ability to drive change in fast-paced manufacturing environments.