Supplier Development Engineer

The supplier development engineer actively engages with the supply base to effectively manage and improve supplier quality, cost, and reliability of their products. The supplier development engineer also works closely with the Sears supply base on capacity planning, tooling requirements, and optimize manufacturability of parts Sears procures. This role implements and maintains a supplier rating system based upon standardized data gathering system, requesting, and reviewing supplier corrective actions and most importantly frequent engagement with Sears supply base.

The supplier development engineer actively engages with the supply base to effectively manage and improve supplier quality, cost, and reliability of their products. The supplier development engineer also works closely with the Sears supply base on capacity planning, tooling requirements, and optimize manufacturability of parts Sears procures. This role implements and maintains a supplier rating system based upon standardized data gathering system, requesting, and reviewing supplier corrective actions and most importantly frequent engagement with Sears supply base.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Develops, applies, and maintains quality standards for Sears suppliers
• Collaborates with Supply Chain Managers and suppliers on capacity planning, tooling requirements, asset tracking, design for best total cost (design optimization), and improve manufacturability of parts Sears procures
• Support new product launches
• Actively manages and continuously improves the PPAP process (production part approval process)
• Manages implementation of mutually agreed upon master samples with the supply base
• Actively manages nonconforming material rejections and fosters continuous improvement of internal rejection processes and procedures
• Drives engagement and collaboration between Sears quality and engineering teams and Sears supply base
• Actively participates in new supplier selection and existing performance evaluation and ranking
• Serves as a leader to develop appropriate metrics to drive improved supplier performance
• Develop and instill data‑driven processes to measure supplier quality performance
• Clearly communicates KPIs to the organization specific to PPAP, corrective actions, supplier performance and key continuous improvement initiatives being driven by supplier development
• Develops robust methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation internally as well as at supplier sites
• Conducts root cause analysis on systemic quality issues and material nonconformances
• Requests, reviews, confirms and tracks supplier corrective actions through completion
• Oversees critical testing and inspection procedures at current and prospective suppliers
• Drives cross functional collaboration to enhance design, optimize manufacturing operations and improve inspection metrics
• Assist with the development and implementation of goals and plans of action consistent with company objectives

• Reports To:
  
  Manager – Tactical Purchasing, Logistics and Supplier Development
• Direct Reports:
  No
• Coordinates or works with:
  Cross‑functional internal departments, suppliers, and Sears customers.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The mental and physical requirements for successful performance of this job are:

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to utilize visual management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to relate to others in a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Knowledge of the automotive, trucking, construction, and agricultural related equipment business
• Knowledge of engineering principles
• Knowledge of manufacturing…