What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supplier Quality Manager position at Gowan USA?
The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for leading Gowan’s Supplier Quality Management (SQM) program, ensuring all suppliers consistently meet company quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements. This role oversees supplier qualification, audits, material verification, and performance monitoring while driving continuous improvement across the supplier network. The Supplier Quality Manager partners closely with Global Procurement, Operations, Regulatory, and Engineering teams to mitigate supply risks, resolve quality incidents, and strengthen long-term supplier relationships.
Location: UK, Harpenden – Yuma, Arizona, USA (International travel up to 25%)
Reports to: Global Head of Procurement
Job Status:
Full-Time
Salaried
Exempt
Onsite
Role Responsibilities
Develop and manage the Supplier Quality Management Program in alignment with company standards and industry best practices.
Partner with Global Procurement Managers to qualify new suppliers, assess capabilities, and support contract negotiations with suppliers and external testing resources.
Plan and conduct supplier audits and assessments worldwide to ensure compliance with Gowan’s specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee verification of purchased materials, coordinating testing with internal and external laboratories, analyzing data, and ensuring accurate documentation and communication of results.
Lead investigations of supplier-related quality incidents, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and formal reporting of findings.
Monitor and report supplier performance, identify risks or recurring issues, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement improvement plans.
Provide training and guidance to suppliers on quality expectations and SQM program requirements.
Support cost allocation tracking and reporting for supplier quality activities.
Prepare and present regular reports on supplier quality performance, risks, and improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as required to strengthen supplier quality and safeguard business continuity.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quality Assurance, or a related technical field.
Advanced degree preferred.
Experience / Skills / Abilities
Minimum 5 years of experience in supplier quality management or quality assurance in a manufacturing or engineering environment, preferably with international suppliers (China and India experience strongly preferred).
Strong knowledge of quality management systems, risk-based supplier qualification, and auditing practices.
Proven expertise in root cause analysis, corrective action processes, and data-driven decision-making.
Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to work effectively across global teams.
Proficiency with quality management tools, data analysis, and reporting systems.
Ability to travel internationally up to 25% of the time.
Job Expectations / Working Conditions
Onsite position based in Harpenden, UK or Yuma, Arizona, USA.
Strong cross-cultural communication skills for working with international suppliers.
Flexibility to travel internationally up to 25% of the time to meet business needs.