Supplier Development Manager

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Supplier Development Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an advanced supplier development system that ensures reliable product quality, continuous improvement, and efficiency across internal operations and the supply base. The position focuses on developing new and existing suppliers through technical assessments, process audits, and manufacturing & corrective action management. Acting as a technical liaison between internal teams and suppliers, the Manager ensures alignment with IPD’s Quality standards, drives process capability improvements, and supports warranty and product issue resolution.

The Supplier Development Manager is responsible for achieving quality objectives while exhibiting Storm Industries Core Values.

• Establishes and maintains process control methodologies (SPC, Cp/Cpk, PFMEA, Control Plans) across supplier operations.
• Leads process validation and capability studies along with suppliers for new and existing production processes.
• Supports suppliers in implementing robust process controls and mistake-proofing techniques.
• Conducts supplier audits assessing quality systems, process capability, and risk level prior to approval.
• Ensures compliance with ISO 9001 and IPD’s supplier quality requirements.
• Leads ongoing supplier audits focusing on process capability, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintains supplier scorecards and communicate results through quarterly performance reviews.
• Drives corrective action follow-up and monitor the effectiveness of supplier improvements.
• Leads cross-functional projects to improve quality, reduce waste, and optimize processes using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Champions continuous improvement initiatives across both internal and supplier networks.
• Identifies cost-of-quality opportunities and execute cost reduction strategies.

• Supports root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and implements permanent corrective and preventive actions along with Supply Chain.
• Collaborates with suppliers and customers to ensure effective and timely issue resolution.

• Prepares technical quality reports, supplier audit summaries, and trend analyses for management review.
• Provides detailed quality performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Serves as the primary liaison for quality matters between internal departments and suppliers.
• Maintains clear, consistent communication regarding specifications, quality alerts, and performance expectations.
• Represents the Quality function in customer and supplier meetings as required.

Travel required:

approximately 20-30% (mostly supplier sites). Must have a valid passport and ability to travel internationally.

Other duties as required.

• Leads and develops the Quality Assurance and Supplier Development teams.
• Mentors team members on root cause analysis, audit techniques, and data-based decision-making.
• Promotes a culture of quality awareness and accountability across all departments.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality management, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in sourcing, quality, and/or supplier development within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience and technical competencies for supplier audits, process capability, and quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 preferred).

• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on problem‑solving approach.
• Expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and ownership.
• Demonstrates time management, adaptability, and organizational discipline.
• Track record demonstrating strong customer focus and practical problem resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to implement effective processes and apply…