Supplier Quality Manager

Job Responsibilities

• Manage external suppliers within the Southeast Region.
• Control allocated external supplier development and proactive quality assurance activities.
• Drive Supplier PPSC (Potential Product Safety Concern) of allocated external suppliers, ensuring analysis for closure and reviewing problem‑solving analysis and implementation of corrective actions in collaboration with Plant Quality Manager/Supplier Quality Engineer for robust and sustainable solutions.
• Execute and support the overall MQR process for escalation level 2 (Lead still with Plant Quality) of allocated external suppliers to ensure the 8D analysis and corrective action implementation in collaboration with Plant Quality Manager/Supplier Quality Engineer.
• Provide analysis supporting internal/external complaints and evaluation of 8D effectiveness.
• Execute auditing of allocated external suppliers by Process Audits according to VDA
  6.3/PA, SAS or other technical audits (e.g., CQI, BBP, Technical Assessment).
• Ensure compliance with CSR (customer specific requirements) and current valid regulations.
• Support managing supplier crisis of identified allocated external suppliers.
• Schedule HIS (High Impact Supplier) kick‑off meetings, conduct multiple BBP audits and track progress of action‑plan closure.
• Drive a Supplier Development Plan based on Supplier performance and implement lessons learned at allocated external suppliers.
• Support Purchasing in de‑sourcing/re‑sourcing projects and tool move projects.
• Ensure during supplier’s visit that CC/SC process is running as part of ADIENT’s prevention process to deal and track critical parameters.
• Monitor external suppliers regarding their product quality, production capacity and manufacturing capabilities.
• Understand Supplier Quality Development KPI’s and work with the team to meet and exceed them.
• Support in providing activities and KPI’s reporting to the top management.
• Monitor and improve critical external supplier performance based on Global Supplier Scorecard of allocated external suppliers.
• Support to Advanced Quality Engineer (AQE) for Business Unit in the execution of the Supplier Process Sign‑Off and run‑at‑rate activities to external suppliers.
• Train suppliers of allocated external suppliers on ADIENT’s supplier expectations in alignment with the Global Supplier Standard Manual, required tools and processes.
• Represent the company and purchasing community in its relationships with external suppliers.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years working experience in Quality Ops or dealing with suppliers.
• Experience in Adient supplier‑related systems/tools (e.g., Scorecard, Power BI, IRIS, etc.).
• Experience in data analysis.
• Experience in AIAG core tools: APQP and Control Plan, PFMEA, PPAP, MSA and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, problem‑solving methodology, GD&T, SPSO, CQI, etc.
• Trained in VDA 6.3 and/or IATF 16949.
• Ability to work with and drive cross‑functional teams.
• Strong English oral and written communication skills and ability to correspond with suppliers in meetings and in correspondence.
• Strong skills to work in a self‑directed environment.
• Ability to take full responsibility for decisions & results even when all elements are not under individual direct control.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail, planning/organization skills and follow‑up.
• Strategic and flexible mindset.

The position involves travel, primarily located in the Southeast. Travel to suppliers and Adient manufacturing sites will be required.

Primary location:
Central Tech Unit, Plymouth, MI.