Supplier Quality Manager Job Minneapolis area,Minnesota USA,Quality Assurance

We are seeking an experienced and process-driven Supplier Quality Engineering Manager to lead the Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) team and supplier quality management system. This role will be responsible for ensuring strong supplier performance across a global, safety-critical supply base.

The Supplier Quality Engineering Manager will work closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and Purchasing teams to qualify, develop, and continuously improve suppliers. The role will also support new product introductions, supplier audits, quality improvement initiatives, and reduction of supplier-related risks and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Supplier Quality Engineering team and supplier quality management system.
Manage supplier quality issues, monitoring, triage, root cause analysis, and resolution.
Partner with Supply Chain and Purchasing teams on supplier sourcing, qualification, selection, and development.
Lead supplier quality meetings and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Work with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations throughout the New Product Development process.
Support new supplier and new part qualification, including PPAP, FAI, incoming inspection requirements, and Cpk verification.
Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and quality KPIs, including DPPM and Cost of Poor Quality.
Work with suppliers to develop and implement corrective and preventive action plans.
Lead technical reviews of new and existing components with suppliers and Engineering.
Conduct supplier audits and process assessments; approximately 20–25% travel may be required.
Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and nonconforming material control.
Drive a proactive, prevention-focused quality culture across the organization.
Support SCAR, CAPA, root cause analysis, and supplier corrective action activities.
Promote continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Drive measurable improvements in supplier performance and reduction of supplier-related quality costs.
Lead cross-functional teams and ensure quality objectives are achieved on schedule.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
5+ years of senior-level Supplier Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience leading or managing an SQE team or quality organization is strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of supplier quality management and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with leadership and people management in a manufacturing or quality environment.
Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, process capability, MSA, and GD&T.
Experience with MRB, SCAR, CAPA, and nonconforming material control.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA/PFMEA, Control Plans, and DFM reviews.
Experience managing supplier quality KPIs such as DPPM and COPQ.
Familiarity with AIAG standards and supplier process audits.
Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and Minitab.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
Experience working with Purchasing/Sourcing teams and MRP systems.
JD Edwards experience is preferred.
Strong project leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.

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