Job Description Summary

The position is responsible for ensuring supply chain companies continually develop their processes in line with Knape & Vogt needs and verify their systems are in compliance with our requirements. Will review engineering and manufacturing specifications and find the best suppliers in the industry for needed items. Negotiate cost effective contracts and monitor materials consistently for any lapse in quality. The position reports to the Strategic Sourcing & Planning Director.

The duties and responsibilities of the position will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review engineering and manufacturing specifications to identity materials needed for product assembly for all manufactured goods
• Research and find the best vendor to supply materials needed for the manufacturing process.
• Contact vendors and liaise between product engineers, manufacturing personnel and suppliers to negotiate contracts to secure required materials for the production floor
• Conduct supplier quality control audits on a regular basis to ensure vendors and their supplies remain in compliance with company and federal manufacturing and production standards
• Communicate with vendors regularly to address any concerns and foster an environment that facilitates continual improvement in working relationships
• Understand and interpret all manufacturing audits, including ISO 9001 and other industry standards
• Support the Quality Manager to monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance
• Participate in cross functional teams in the development of new products or changes related to current products in meeting customer requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities
• Support and lead process improvement activities at the supplier
• Achieve goals within budget
• Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practice and trends
• Plan projects so they may be tracked and presented
• Maintain a supplier database and include performance evaluations and quality control audits in the database for in-house access by company and manufacturing management personnel
• Assist with logistics, including communications with vendors when there are packaging and receiving issues when materials arrive at receiving dock
• Perform other duties as assigned

Competencies:

• Timely Decision Making
• Priority Setting
• Establishing Relationships
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical skills
• Highly organized
• Strong work ethic
• Team player

Requirements:

• Work Experience: 3 years of supplier quality experience, strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Lean Manufacturing knowledge, knowledge of ISO 9001
• Education: BS in Engineering or Logistics
• Computer Skills: Prior experience working with ERP systems, Auto CAD, and MS Office Suite
• Organization Skills: Ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed
• Cross-functional skills: Ability to work well cross-functionally with multiple peers and groups; provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Communication Skills: Ability to communication well with all levels of the organization; strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, climb ladders, sit and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment; manufacturing and warehouse environment and exposure to moving equipment 

Preferred Requirements:

• Work Experience: 5 years of supplier quality management experience
• Computer Skills: Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
• Bilingual: Spanish speaking

KV is a dedicated equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. KV encourages applicants of all ages.