Global Manager of Supplier Quality and Development

The Global Manager of Supplier Quality & Development is responsible for leading CPI’s Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) and Supplier Development Program globally. This role will establish and execute supplier quality strategies, monitor supplier performance, drive supplier performance improvements, lead supplier qualification and audit activities, and ensure supplier capabilities support CPI’s growth objectives.

The position serves as the primary escalation point for supplier quality issues and partners closely with Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing Quality, Engineering, and supplier leadership teams to improve quality, delivery, cost, and risk performance. The role will manage Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) and develop scalable supplier quality processes that support both current operations and future business growth.

The position also serves as the primary CPI QMS document control manager and authority.

Supplier Quality Leadership

• Own and continuously improve CPI’s Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS).
• Develop and execute the corporate supplier quality strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Establish supplier quality metrics, dashboards, scorecards, and executive reporting processes.
• Maintain supplier quality procedures, standards, and documentation within the Quality Management System.
• Lead supplier quality reviews with executive leadership and site management teams.
• Serve as the escalation authority for critical supplier quality issues and customer-impacting events.

Supplier Development

• Create, implement, and sustain a formal Supplier Development Program focused on quality, process capability, capacity, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and prioritize supplier improvement opportunities using risk, spend, and performance criteria.
• Coach suppliers in root cause analysis, corrective action, Lean manufacturing, process control, and quality systems.
• Lead supplier improvement projects to reduce defects, improve delivery performance, and strengthen process capability.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key suppliers to support new product introductions and business growth.

Supplier Qualification & Risk Management

• Lead qualification and approval of new suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Define supplier audit strategies and conduct quality system, process, and capability audits.
• Oversee supplier risk assessments and segmentation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with supplier quality requirements, quality manuals, and contractual obligations.
• Manage supplier change notification and approval processes.

Strategic Supplier Management

• Lead quality management activities for strategic and managed suppliers, including:
  • Contract manufacturers
  • Fabrication partners
  • Powder coating and paint suppliers
  • Electronics and power component suppliers
  • Cooling system suppliers
  • Raw material and specialty chemical suppliers
• Participate in Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with strategic suppliers.
• Review supplier scorecards and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure supplier compliance with CPI quality expectations and performance targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement and Operations to develop supplier strategies and sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with Engineering on product launches, supplier process validations, and qualification activities.
• Support manufacturing sites in supplier containment, corrective action verification, and escalation management.
• Participate in site management reviews and operational excellence initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop Supplier Quality Engineers and future supplier quality resources.
• Establish performance objectives, training plans, and development pathways for supplier quality personnel.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or equivalent preferred or within 1-year of hire.
• 8 years of progressive quality experience in manufacturing environments.
• 4 years managing supplier quality and supplier development initiatives.
• Experience with metal fabrication, welding, powder coating, electronics manufacturing, or related industries not required but a plus
• Experience managing supplier audits, qualifications, and corrective action systems.
• Proven success driving supplier performance improvements across complex supply chains.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers.

Technical Knowledge

• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA
• Root Cause Analysis (8D, A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• ISO 9001 quality systems
• Supplier auditing techniques
• Statistical analysis and performance reporting
• ERP and quality management systems

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Executive level communication and presentation skills
• Influencing without authority
• Data-driven decision making
• Relationship building and supplier partnership development
• Problem solving and risk management
• Continuous improvement mindset
Team and individual development

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) as needed
• Serves as the primary CPI QMS document control manager and authority
• Onsite position preferably in New Bern, NC or Georgetown, TX
• Up to 30% traveling
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled