SQD Manager

Supplier Quality Development Manager

Location: Howell, Michigan

Compensation: $110,000 base salary + 10% performance bonus

Reporting to: VP Quality

I'm looking for a strong Supplier Quality leader to join a growing automotive manufacturing business and take full ownership of supplier performance, risk management, and quality compliance across the product lifecycle.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on working directly with suppliers, enjoys solving complex quality challenges, and can confidently manage escalations while protecting production and customer satisfaction.

What You'll Be Doing

Youll be responsible for strengthening supplier performance from new product launch through ongoing production, ensuring that quality, timing, and compliance standards are consistently achieved.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Building and managing a structured supplier audit schedule

• Conducting on-site supplier evaluations focused on process capability, operational controls, and risk exposure

• Overseeing supplier readiness activities during new product introduction to ensure successful production approval

• Managing supplier performance issues, leading corrective actions, and driving sustainable improvements

• Reviewing and approving production validation documentation prior to release

• Ensuring suppliers meet contractual and customer-specific quality requirements

• Partnering with cross-functional teams during new product and material launches to confirm supplier preparedness

• Tracking and reporting supplier performance metrics to leadership

• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the supplier quality function

• Escalating critical supplier risks when quality or delivery performance threatens operations

What I'm Looking For

• Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field

• Certified process auditor (VDA 6.3 preferred)

• 3–6 years of experience in automotive supplier quality or manufacturing quality

• Strong working knowledge of core automotive quality tools, including:

  • Advanced product quality planning

  • Production part validation processes

  • Failure mode and effects analysis

  • Statistical process control

  • Measurement system analysis

  • Control planning

• Well-organized and methodical in your approach

• Confident communicator who can influence suppliers and internal stakeholders

• Professional working proficiency in English

What Success Looks Like

• Reduced supplier-related disruptions

• Strong launch performance with on-time approvals

• Measurable improvements in supplier quality KPIs

• Clear escalation management with proactive risk mitigation

This is a high-impact role with visibility at senior level, offering the opportunity to shape supplier quality strategy and directly influence operational performance.