Supplier Quality Manager

Supplier Quality Manager - Propulsion Systems - Driveline 

The Supplier Quality Manager – Propulsion Systems is responsible for leading and executing supplier quality activities for complex, safety‑critical driveline components including transfer cases, Power Take Off units, Rear Drive Modules, axles, prop shafts, half shafts, and axle disconnects. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) and serves as a primary interface between suppliers, internal manufacturing plants, Product Engineering, Purchasing, and senior leadership. The position plays a key role in launch readiness, serial production quality, and warranty acceleration initiatives, with direct involvement in North American vehicle assembly plants and the Quality Engineering Center (QEC). 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide Supplier Quality leadership by directing and developing a regional SQE organization supporting propulsion commodities across multiple suppliers and manufacturing locations, ensuring clear priorities, effective resourcing, and strong performance. 
• Own supplier quality performance end‑to‑end, including launch readiness, production quality, risk management, audits, and continuous improvement, with disciplined application of APQP/PPAP and structured recovery for high‑risk suppliers. 
• Serve as the primary quality interface to internal plants and cross‑functional teams, driving rapid issue resolution, prevention of recurrence, and alignment across Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Logistics, Warranty, and Program Management. 
• Accelerate field and warranty issue resolution by partnering with QEC, Control Tower, plants, and suppliers to identify risks early, contain issues quickly, and implement systemic corrective actions. 
• Ensure supplier readiness for launches and major changes by leading cross‑functional reviews, safe launch activities, and proactive risk identification related to capacity, process stability, and technical complexity. 
• Engage directly with senior leadership and supplier executives, delivering clear, data‑driven updates on quality risk, launch status, and warranty issues, and leading executive‑level escalations and reviews. 
• Drive governance, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring adherence to quality standards, fostering accountability, and deploying lessons learned across propulsion programs to improve future execution. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or similar) with 10+ years of experience. 
• Extensive experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Product Engineering within the automotive industry. 
• Strong technical understanding of propulsion systems, including engines, transmissions, and drivelines.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing technical teams. 
• Proven ability to perform and lead supplier and process audits. 
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, including senior executives. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience supporting warranty, field quality, or rapid response quality organizations. 
• Familiarity with North American automotive manufacturing plants and high‑volume production environments. 
• Experience managing suppliers during complex product launches and major change events. 
• Knowledge of industry quality standards and customer-specific requirements.