Who We Want:

The Director of Supplier Quality will lead the development and maintenance of a robust supply base, from initial supplier assessment through the product lifecycle. This pivotal role involves formulating and executing a comprehensive supplier quality strategy, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards of incoming materials and components for Challenge Mfg. The Director of Supplier Quality will drive continuous improvement, enhance supplier partnerships, and contribute to the achievement of Challenge's mission to deliver exceptional products to our customers.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the Supplier Quality team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration to maintain the highest quality standards across the local supply base.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive supplier quality strategy that focuses on the development and maintenance of suppliers, tooling health and plant incoming quality control.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with suppliers in collaboration with purchasing, ensuring their understanding of and commitment to meeting our rigorous quality expectations.
• Define and communicate clear quality standards, specifications, and requirements to suppliers and incoming quality control teams.
• Coordinate with key suppliers to ensure production readiness and launch excellence
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of suppliers, evaluating their compliance with quality standards, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues, conducting comprehensive root cause analyses and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance and plant incoming quality control.
• Drive initiatives to enhance the capabilities of suppliers and incoming quality control procedures through training and process improvements.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes that may impact supplier quality.
• Generate regular reports for senior management, highlighting supplier quality performance, tooling health, risks, and strategies for improvement.

When and Where:

This will be a position located in our Corporate Office in Walker, MI.

What You Need to Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus
• 10 years of experience in supplier quality management, quality engineering, or related roles within manufacturing or automotive (under IATF 16949 requirements) industries
• Proven leadership experience, including team management, performance evaluation, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement
• Profound knowledge of supplier quality principles, methodologies, and best practices
• Proficiency in conducting supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes
• Strong analytical skills, including data analysis, trending, and performance metrics assessment.
• Experience in formulating and executing supplier quality strategies
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to liaise with suppliers and collaborate across cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with quality standards, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Previous experience in the stamping, welding and automotive sector is advantageous
• Certifications such as Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or similar are a plus
• 25-30% travel domestically and internationally for supplier visits and audits