Commodity Supplier Quality Manager

It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Job Description

• Develop and Manage Machined, Engineer system, Plastic and Rubber, Fasteners and Surface Treatment supplier panel.
• Ensure quality “expert” role to support suppliers to development strong process and process controls and share return of experience

• Achieving Supplier Quality goals (APQP/PPAP execution, NCMR reduction, SCAR, Audits etc.) for assigned supplier base, commodity or manufacturing shops.
• Contributing to growth plans with existing & new suppliers.
• Contributing to continually improve supplier quality performance of existing suppliers
• Working in a boundary-less manner with diverse teams to achieve the above results

Essential Responsibilities             

The Lead Supplier Quality Engineer has to develop & maintain objectives to achieve the following responsibilities:

• Accurate & rigorous evaluation of current and potential suppliers using multiple tools.
• Works with Sourcing / Buyer for all resourcing and new projects related to commodity and select right supplier to ensure 100% FTR.
• On-time execution of New Component Introduction (APQP/PPAP) projects
• Maintain & upgrade product & process quality at suppliers
• Drive & ensure compliance to supplier facing processes (Audits, PPAP, SCARs, SDRs, etc.)
• Identify & qualify new products & suppliers in the region to drive growth
• Collaborate with other functions as required to execute PPAP projects
• Provide seamless shop support to ensure right quality product delivered to Customer.
• Implement containment and corrective action plan for any supplier NCMR in manufacturing or service shops.
• Perform trainings in order to improve supplier's knowledge and ability to meet FT requirements
• Alert and escalate in case of supplier performance not as expected per Wabtec requirement and develop them.

The details of the key processes are:

New Supplier Evaluation / on boarding: Rigorously execute the supplier evaluation process including quality & compliance audits/assessments to ensure that only appropriately qualified suppliers are taken through the process. Work with sourcing/commodity team to meet business objectives of new supplier addition. Production part approvals: Have a good understanding of the following: Drawings, specifications, Industry standard, APQP/PPAP Process, applicable tools (FMEA, GR&R, Control plans, Sampling, Capability studies, etc.). Understand & use tools rigorously to mitigate risk of non-conformant product from shipping from a supplier's facility. Train & drive suppliers to use our tools & upload objective evidence of PPAP step closure. Work closely with Engineering team to ensure adequate understanding of product risks & severities of failure. Lead robust root cause analysis & corrective actions as required. Work closely with Sourcing team to ensure PPAP timelines are adhered to & stated capacity is established Conduct regular Global and local Non confirming parts review, drive containment and segregation with Supplier and drive Root Cause Analysis and corrective actions to ensure right quality of parts offered to Manufacturing shop Audits (Process, Product, Quality systems, SRG/Compliance, 'Eyes always Open'): Obtain a sound understanding of Wabtec expectations on audits. Conduct audits in keeping with good practices & publish professional reports in the appropriate system. Identify & communicate best practices/risks Work with supplier & other stakeholders to close findings & improve supplier processes Problem-solving: Monitor Defects/DMRs'/Feedback for suppliers to identify any existing problems Use DMAIC methodology to identify & eliminate root cause sustainably on appropriate system Participate in planning of supplier quality activities, share knowledge with team, training, etc. All these responsibilities will need to be discharged in consultation with Supplier Quality Leader, other SQE's & Sourcing team and appropriate shop quality teams.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Graduate in Mechanical/Production / Metallurgical /Electrical Engineering from a reputed institute.

The candidate shall have between ~ 10 + years of experience working in a similar profession & industry.

He/She needs to have a sound understanding of contemporary manufacturing, control and inspection technologies in the following product groups/commodities. Expertise would necessarily include firsthand work in at least two areas of the following.

1. Non-metallic products:

Ability to understand & support supplier proposals on manufacturing processes, control methods & measurement systems related to a wide variety of non-metallic products including Fiber Reinforced Plastics, Composite materials, Plastic, Rubber bonded products, hoses, etc.)

2. Machining: Processing parts using conventional & modern equipment

Ability to understand & support supplier proposals on fixture design, process & equipment selection, operations & procedures, operator certification & qualification, Designing & validating measurement systems for attribute & variable measurement systems etc.

3. Engineered systems like Brakes, HVAC, Heat Exchangers, Radiators, Dampers, filtration systems for large diesel engine, traction motors, alternators, blowers etc. He/she shall also have in-depth understanding of engineering validation plans, supplier processes and sub-tier processes.

Here is a list of attributes which are key to success in this role:

1. Strong understanding of quality tools used to manage supplier quality

2. Strong interpersonal, teamwork & and leadership skills

3. Strong spoken and written English communications skills

4. Proven project management and process improvement ability

5. Change agent with the ability to influence multiple levels of the organization across functions

6. Strong PC and data management skills

Desired Characteristics 

1. Prior work experience in a similar work environment

2. Knowledge of destructive & non-destructive testing methods in all of the above areas

3. Candidates with certifications in technology, quality systems, audit or testing areas can be preferred based on relevance of certification

4. Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred (Wabtec Employees only).

5. Ability to cope with multiple complex situations daily

Who are we?