Sr. Supplier Quality Specialist

The Senior Supplier Quality Specialist is responsible for the daily coordination and execution of quality-related activities with multiple suppliers of parts and materials. Responsibilities include coordination of testing and inspection work, investigation of quality-related issues, maintaining quality standards, developing corrective action plans, monitoring supplier performance, and generating reports. The SSQS will also contribute to the development of the supplier quality system and supplier performance metrics.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the Procurement and Craftory Teams, coordinate quality-related activity with suppliers across multiple categories of parts and raw materials.

• Coordinate and carry out testing and inspection activities with Craftory and Procurement team members and suppliers to support an uninterrupted supply of in-specification parts and materials.

• Investigate quality-related events, and in cooperation with fellow team members, determine root cause and develop solutions.

• Collaborate with other team members in creating and maintaining quality standards for parts and materials.

• Monitor supplier performance to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement

• Develop corrective action and control plans with fellow team members and suppliers to mitigate the risk of receiving non-conforming parts and materials.

• Evaluate the performance and appearance of new or modified parts and materials to support existing product quality as well as the commercialization of new products.

• Periodically inspect incoming parts and materials for adherence to quality standards and audit supplier manufacturing processes for adherence to agreed-upon practices.

• Recommend revisions to supplier quality metrics and the supplier quality system.

• Generate reports as needed to keep stakeholders informed.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently

• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize

• Ability to acquire, analyze, and interpret data and apply it to resolve problems.

• Ability to clearly communicate results and progress

• Demonstrated ability to function well in cross-functional teams

• Results-oriented and driven to complete tasks in agreed-upon time period

• Solid interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain lasting business relationships

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Comfortable working in both an office and manufacturing plant environment

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Other duties

• May be asked to perform other duties that are reasonable within the area of expertise

Required Education and Experience

• BA/BS in Engineering or equivalent degree or related work experience
• 5+ years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years working in quality assurance, continuous improvement, or project management
• A combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge and skills

Essential Knowledge

• Principals of statistics and ability to utilize basic statistical analysis tools.

• Experience using structured root cause analysis and problem-solving methods

• Experience in measuring quality performance criteria against a required standard

• Project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about working and winning in a team environment

• Results-oriented and driven to complete tasks in agreed-upon time

• Highly detail-oriented and well-organized

• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

• Able to proactively question and challenge

• Clear and logical thinker

• Enjoy working in a company with a diverse, challenging, and fast paced environment

Travel Requirements

• This position may involve occasional travel up to 20% of the time.

Physical Demands

• Basic physical stances and actions in a manufacturing environment (sitting, standing, walking)
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.