Supplier Development Engineer

Position in the Organization

Works under the responsibility of the EVP, Americas and functionally reports to the Supply Chain Manager.

The purpose of the Supplier Development Engineer role is to improve supplier performance and ensure that suppliers comply with the company’s quality and process standards.

The main responsibilities of a Supplier Development Engineer are divided into the following areas:

• Strategy and Planning
  • Co-developing and implementing strategic plans for suppliers and the SDE and Procurement departments.
• Supplier Audits
  • Conducting audits to ensure suppliers meet performance, delivery, and reliability requirements.
• Supplier Onboarding
  • Leading the industrialization and readiness of suppliers for components and services, ensuring alignment with program timelines and quality requirements.
• Quality Management
  • Promoting Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and maintaining Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements.
• Performance Monitoring
  • Developing and monitoring KPIs for industrialization projects, such as process capability indices (R&R), defect rates, etc.
• Problem Solving
  • Facilitating structured problem-solving methodologies to address defects and process deviations, such as 8D and 5-Why.
• Collaboration
  • Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
  • Advising Category Managers on SDE-related topics.

• Managing and monitoring tooling at external parties.

The role characteristics of a Lead Supplier Development Engineer are diverse and challenging. They encompass a wide range of skills and responsibilities that are essential to successfully safeguarding and ensuring compliance with the company’s quality and process standards. Below is an overview of the key role characteristics:

• Analytical Skills
  • Data analysis:
    Ability to analyze figures, supplier and/or customer feedback, and other data to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Financial analysis:
    Understanding costs, margins, and profitability to support sound decision-making.
• Strategic Thinking
  • Setting objectives:
    Ability to define clear objectives for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strategy development:
    Developing strategies based on analyses and objectives.
  • Long-term vision:
    Anticipating future developments in the company and market.
• Commercial Skills
  • Commercial awareness:
    Understanding how quality improvement can be commercially driven.
  • Stakeholder focus:
    Understanding stakeholder needs to improve supplier performance and customer satisfaction.
• Communication Skills
  • Collaboration:
    
    Working effectively with multiple departments and disciplines.
  • Presentation skills:
    Clearly presenting results, plans, and ideas.
  • Networking:
    Building and maintaining a professional network.
  • Proactively resolving issues that arise during processes.
• Technical Knowledge
  • In-depth knowledge of production and logistics processes, quality control, and engineering principles.
• Organizational Skills
  • Project management:
    Managing projects such as product launches or supplier onboarding.
  • Planning and organization:
    Maintaining overview and effective planning.
  • Time management:
    Managing deadlines and priorities.
• Quality Standards
  • Experience with ISO 9001 or other relevant quality standards.

The risk exposure of a Lead Supplier Development Engineer refers to the likelihood that actions or omissions could cause financial, reputational, or relationship damage to the organization.

Although the role focuses mainly on strategic thinking, analysis, and communication, physical aspects are also relevant.

• Workplace Ergonomics
  • Desk work:
    Prolonged sitting may cause back, neck, or shoulder complaints.
  • Screen use:
    Extended screen time may cause eye strain and headaches.
  • Repetitive movements:
    Mouse and keyboard use may lead to RSI complaints.
• Travel
  • Supplier visits:
    Regular domestic and international travel, potentially physically demanding.
  • Trade fairs and events:
    Attendance may involve long days of standing and walking.
  • Conferences and training sessions:
    Travel may also be required.
• Physical Load
  • Stress:
    Deadlines and responsibilities may result in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances.
• Environmental Factors
  • Office environment:
    Temperature, air quality, and noise can influence physical well-being.

• 10 Paid Holidays
• 3 Weeks of Accrued Vacation
• Paid Medical Time
• Bereavement
• Health Insurance
• 401k / Roth Benefits with Employer Match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer Paid Life
• Voluntary Insurance Options

This job description is indicative and not exhaustive. The role holder is expected to perform all reasonable tasks assigned.