Direct Material Technical Specialist

Position Title

Direct Material Technical Specialist

Mission/Purpose

Contribute to the profitability of Metalsa through the execution of supplier development strategies that mitigate risk and generate a competitive, responsive, high quality world‑class supply base that supports Metalsa in winning profitable new business and achieving operational excellence.

Essential Functions and Key Accountabilities Cost Reduction / Quality Initiatives

• Participate in cross‑functional Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) teams that conduct technical discussions with suppliers and internal operations teams to identify and implement improvements in existing products and processes, using Lean methods to reduce waste.

Records and Confidentiality

• Document activity and retain historical files that are organized, accurate and accessible to designated Metalsa staff as needed, while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality within Metalsa and with the supply base.

Operations Support

• Lead the local Operations team in resolving supplier issues that would adversely impact internal operations and/or result in quality or delivery performance shortfalls to the customer through identification, containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action generation and monitoring.

New Supplier Qualification

• Participate in the supplier sourcing process. Review and evaluate the Metalsa Supplier Business Assessments (MSBAs) provided by suppliers, conduct on‑site audits as needed, and develop and facilitate supplier improvement plans as applicable. Maintain accurate files of completed MSBAs and other audit documentation.

Advanced Product Quality Planning

• Coordinate and ensure the proper flow and execution of the Advanced Product Quality Planning Process (APQP) with assigned suppliers. Lead the PPAP process for engineering changes and new product introductions on supplier parts.

Supplier Development, Evaluation and Relationship Management

• Support supplier relationship management activities, utilizing supplier evaluation and development techniques that result in a strong, stable, responsive, competitive supply base focused on continuous improvement in current and emerging technologies.
• Comply with the responsibilities and authorities of the Environmental and Quality Management System (see procedure P‑GE‑29 Resources Roles Responsibilities and Authority).

Academic and Experience

Industrial/ Systems/ Mechanical Engineering, International Commerce or other relevant 4‑year degree.

Familiarity with:

• APQP / PPAP
• Core Tools (AIAG)
• ISO TS 16949/ IATF
• ISO 14000 Auditor preferred
• ISO 18000 Auditor preferred
• VDA 6.3 Auditor preferred

2-5 years of Supplier Development or equivalent related experience.

2-5 years of automotive industry experience (Commodity Management, Sourcing, Engineering or Quality) related to stamping, metal forming, molding and castings, steel, and/or assembly, or similar experience.

Project Management experience in a lead role preferred.

Experience and/or training in Lean Manufacturing techniques preferred.

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