Director, Supplier Quality

Job Description:The Director, Supplier Quality is responsible for leading all quality performance, execution, and results within an assigned Business Unit. This role ensures that quality is fully integrated into daily manufacturing operations, driving measurable improvements in product quality, operational performance, and customer satisfaction.This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective plant-level execution, ensuring alignment with Lean manufacturing principles and business objectives. The Director partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and cross-functional leaders and drive a proactive quality culture.Primary Duties Lead all quality performance for the Business Unit, with accountability for key metrics including External and Internal Defects per unit, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and overall customer quality performance Provide leadership and direction to site Quality Managers and teams, Partnering with Site Leaders ensuring consistency and accountability across all locations Partner with Operations leadership to embed quality into daily production processes and drive defect prevention Lead response to customer complaints, escalations, and warranty issues, ensuring timely resolution and prevention of recurrence Drive disciplined problem-solving using root cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3) to eliminate systemic issues Ensure effective execution of enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) standards at the plant level, including audits, document control, and CAPA processes Partner with the Director of Quality Systems to implement system improvements and provide feedback on effectiveness and usability Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality to improve incoming material quality and supplier performance Monitor and analyze quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities across the Business Unit Build and develop high-performing quality teams, strengthening capabilities in problem-solving, data analysis, and Lean quality practices Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-focused quality Job RequirementsEducation and Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s preferred) 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing quality leadership 5+ years of experience leading quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization. Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferred Proven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor. Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesStrong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to quality Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment Strong business acumen with the ability to connect quality performance to operational and financial outcomes Dynamic, driven and can-do mindset Essential Mental And Physical Functions:Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively from shop floor employees to executive leadership Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results across geographically dispersed teams Capability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountability Ability to travel between manufacturing sites as required Ability to work in and navigate production floor environments, including standing, walking, and exposure to typical manufacturing conditions Work Environment:This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environments Regular exposure to production facilities, including shop floor conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures Requires adherence to all safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in manufacturing areas Travel to company locations and is expected up to 60% of the time, with occasional travel to suppliers or customers as needed. The Director of Supplier Quality is responsible for leading supplier quality as it relates to performance, execution, and results across an assigned supply base. This role ensures that supplier quality is fully integrated into the procurement and supply chain lifecycle, driving measurable improvements in incoming quality, material availability in support of Production, material rejection as a component oftotal cost, and overall customer satisfaction. This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective supplier-facing processes, ensuring a robust qualification process is followed, ongoing compliance, and continuous improvement. The Director partners closely with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management—along with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations—to align sourcing and supplier strategies, manage supplier risk, resolve issues through disciplined problem-solving, and build a proactive supplier quality culture.Primary DutiesLead supplier quality performance with accountability for key metrics including incoming defects (PPM), supplier corrective action cycle time, supplier on-time responsiveness, and supplier-related Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Partner directly with the Supply Chain team to develop and execute supplier quality strategies across the supply base, including supplier segmentation, risk assessment, and development plans for critical and high-risk suppliers, aligned with Category Management’s supply chain resiliency objectives and category strategiesOwn Quality-related supplier qualification and onboarding requirements, including supplier assessments/audits, capability reviews, and quality agreements aligned to enterprise standardsPartner with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management to embed quality into sourcing decisions, category strategies, supplier selection, and change management, ensuring quality expectations are clearly defined, contracted where applicable, and verifiedLead response to supplier-related nonconformances, including containment, disposition support, and corrective/preventive actions (SCAR/CAPA), ensuring timely resolution and prevention of recurrenceDrive disciplined problem-solving with suppliers using root cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3) and verify effectiveness through validation and sustained performance monitoringDefine and continuously improve incoming inspection and supplier control plans based on risk, historical performance, and critical-to-quality characteristicsEnsure effective execution of supplier-related requirements within the enterprise Quality Management System (QMS), including supplier audits, approved supplier lists, and documentation/records controlCollaborate with Engineering and Operations to support part qualification and changes (e.g., APQP/PPAP or equivalent), ensuring robust validation prior to launch or implementationMonitor and analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities; in partnership with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management, communicate performance through supplier scorecards, business reviews, and escalation/governance routines as neededEngage with key supplier Quality executives and develop strategic relationships to ensure alignment with company objectives and prioritize performance improvementsBuild and develop high-performing supplier quality teams, strengthening capabilities in auditing, problem-solving, data analysis, and supplier developmentFoster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-focused quality with suppliers and internal partnersEducation And Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master’s preferred)10+ years of progressive experience in supplier quality leadership5+ years of experience leading Supplier quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization.Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferredProven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor.Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesStrong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to qualityDemonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologiesProven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environmentStrong business acumen with the ability to connect quality performance to operational and financial outcomesDynamic, driven and can-do mindsetEssential Mental And Physical Functions:Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environmentStrong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively from shop floor employees to executive leadershipAbility to manage multiple priorities and drive results across geographically dispersed teamsCapability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountabilityAbility to travel between manufacturing sites as requiredAbility to work in and navigate production floor environments, including standing, walking, and exposure to typical manufacturing conditionsWork Environment:This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environmentsRegular exposure to production facilities, including shop floor conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and varying temperaturesRequires adherence to all safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in manufacturing areasTravel to company locations and is expected up to 60% of the time, with occasional travel to suppliers or customers as needed.