Supplier Quality Management Systems QMFD Sub-Region Leader

Description

Summary: This position is critical in supporting the implementation and maintenance of supplier quality management systems for the region in a spirit of collaboration with the global and regional executive management teams. This role is a testament to the importance of teamwork, ensuring all sites comply with the Global Quality Operations Systems (GQOS) related to supplier quality, OEM Requirements, AIAG/VDA, and core tools. Key responsibilities include conducting Supplier Qualification Audits for the region, Supplier Development & Training, SQM standardization to achieve Global and CSR requirements, Training and developing site SQM Team including systems (SupplyON), and supporting Supplier APQP and PPAP achievement as necessary. This team member works hand in hand with the American Regional QMFD group, the Site SQM team, and the Global Quality Groups to ensure the implementation and achievement of the Global Quality Operations Systems (GQOS).

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality & Development:

• Evaluate and approve new suppliers based on company standards and regulatory requirements. SASG: N13-02A Control of Supplier and Procured Items
• Conduct regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and identify areas for improvement. SASG: N31-01A Assessment of Manufacturing Process for Product & SASG: N33-01A Assessment of Manufacturing Process for Procured Items and CQI requirements
• Foster and maintain robust relationships with suppliers, playing a key role in ensuring effective communication and collaboration, thereby contributing to achieving the Astemo Supplier Quality Manual and CSRs.
• Supplier APQP: Realize one global standard of supplier relationship & quality management to complete capabilities.
  • Integration of process and interface with supplier via system portal (SupplyON)
  • Enhance efficiency, compliance, capabilities, and transparency through GQOS activities
• Supplier Performance: Work with the sites to monitor supplier performance metrics, analyze trends, and drive corrective actions for poor performance trends based on rating management
  • Support and analyze annual and monthly supplier trends
  • Support or lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities with suppliers to address quality issues. (note: supplier shipping the same part number to multiple sites in the region; this activity will be led by the regional SQM team)
• Cost Impact: Support the standardization of cost recovery in the region (including administrative fees and warranty sharing)
  • Support sites to achieve the return to vendor (RTV) activities for all cost impact (product, process, and sorting cost recovery standards)
  • Support the development and achievement of warranty sharing program and monitoring with the region
  • Support cost escalation plans with suppliers for cost recovery
• Training: change
  • SQ region on SQM GQOS and points
  • Supplier Onboarding
  • Suppliers: Collaboration of Lesson Learn from critical failures with supply base
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and work with suppliers to implement best practices.
  • Develop and deliver supplier training programs on quality standards and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to integrate supplier quality improvements into production processes.
• Reporting and Documentation:
  • Prepare and present regular reports on supplier quality performance and improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier audits, performance metrics, and corrective actions per GQOS
  • Ensure all documentation complies with company policies, CSRs, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier quality management, preferably in the automotive industry.
• In-depth knowledge of supplier quality management systems and standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001, CQI, CSRs).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives and achieving quality goals.
• Ability to travel within the region as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional).
• Experience with advanced quality planning tools (e.g., APQP, PPAP).
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.

Behavior Competencies:

The successful candidate for this position will have expert knowledge of the automotive quality management standards and reference documents and a working knowledge of OEM requirements, AIAG, CQI, core tools, audit principles, procedures, and methods. The candidate will possess excellent analytical and critical thinking, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills to interact with members at all organizational levels. The candidate will be detail-oriented with solid organization/time management skills and operate effectively and efficiently with high accuracy in a fast-paced team or individual environment. This position requires a willingness/ability to travel domestically and internationally.

• Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Implementing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people at all organizational levels.

• Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Working with high accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced team or individual environment.

• Performing duties with due professional care ethically while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Addressing complex issues with integrity in a professional manner.

Education: A University degree is required. Preference will be given to degrees in a relevant field or industry.

Experience: 7 years + experience in the automotive industry. Preference will be given to experience in SQM with direct plant operations and auditing.

*Job level is determined by a range of factors such as organization size, responsibility, career stage, and capabilities.

Working conditions:

Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Have the ability to work 40 - 60 hours per week. Late/early meetings may be required to facilitate meetings with other teams in other time zones. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel: Up to 50% domestic and international travel may be required. Travel may include visiting customers, suppliers, manufacturing sites, and corporate offices.

Work Environment: Primarily in a professional business office with exposure to testing areas and periodic exposure to manufacturing environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Hitachi, please send the nature of request and contact information to jobs@hitachi-automotive.us. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.