Supplier Quality Assurance Director

Position Overview

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a highly experienced Supplier Quality Assurance Director to lead and strengthen supplier quality strategies across a complex, multi-site manufacturing operation. This executive-level position will be responsible for developing world-class supplier quality systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, reducing supplier-related risks, and ensuring consistent product quality across the supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in supplier quality management within a high-volume manufacturing environment, along with strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to partner cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall supplier quality strategy aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Lead supplier quality performance management initiatives across domestic and international suppliers.
• Establish and maintain supplier qualification, development, audit, and performance monitoring systems.
• Drive supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of quality issues.
• Partner closely with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to improve supplier performance, delivery, and product reliability.
• Lead supplier risk assessments and mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and quality standards.
• Develop KPI dashboards and metrics related to supplier quality, PPM reduction, warranty performance, cost of poor quality, and supplier scorecards.
• Oversee APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and other quality planning activities as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, industry, and internal quality standards.
• Lead and mentor a team of Supplier Quality Engineers and quality professionals across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Support new product launches and supplier industrialization activities.
• Conduct executive-level reviews with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate with global sourcing teams to support supplier selection and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Manufacturing Quality leadership roles.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level capacity.
• Strong background within a complex manufacturing environment such as industrial equipment, automotive, HVAC, appliances, heavy manufacturing, or related industries.
• Proven experience managing supplier quality systems across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Extensive knowledge of quality systems, supplier development, and manufacturing processes.

Experience with:

• APQP
• PPAP
• FMEA
• SPC
• Root Cause Analysis
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma methodologies

• Strong understanding of ISO quality standards and supplier auditing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence executive stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certifications (CQE, CQM, CSSBB) strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting global supply chains and international suppliers.
• Background in metal fabrication, electronics, mechanical assemblies, or engineered products manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading quality transformation and supplier development initiatives.