Supplier Development Engineer

Position Purpose

Reporting directly to Senior Procurement Manager, the role is responsible for working with production component and critical indirect suppliers in order to sustain a level of operational performance that satisfies business expectations. As such, the role is primarily responsible for the continuous improvement of Quality, Capability, Warranty and Delivery with the supply base. A key element of the role is therefore to ensure the timely and robust resolution to escalated problems relating to the above and to ensure a 'Right First Time' approach to NPIP is adopted and achieved.

Position Type

Full Time, FLSA Exempt

Location

13210 Palo Alto Rd., San Antonio, TX., 78264

Benefits And Other Compensation

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

• Supplier Performance & Delivery:
• Assess and drive an improvement program with a group of nominated suppliers to help them reach and maintain the required level of performance.
• Support the Group Quality Vision with regards to incoming material targets and supplier performance.
• Drive improvement in supplier Quality & Warranty performance.
• Support the closure of all supplier Quality and Warranty concerns that are escalated.
• Ensure that all supplier Delivery and Capacity concerns being escalated are closed to achieve satisfactory resolutions.
• Work with the critical suppliers to ensure their capability is proven and action plans are all in place.
• Report a set of transparent Key Performance Indicators with regards to the supply base performance.
• Mitigate potential risk to the business as a consequence of poor performing suppliers.
• Support key category process audits to identify and mitigate risk and ensure compliance to JCB standards.
• New Product Introduction:
• Lead the Product Launch Activity for nominated parts to ensure a timely and effective launch of new machines.
• Lead the Launch Readiness activity to ensure that an appropriate program is in place, executed and reported.
• Create and publish a reporting mechanism to track the launch activity taking place.
• Manage escalations relating to late readiness or late approval of parts required for NPIP programs.
• Ensure that there is an effective communication program in place for systemic issues discovered within the supply base.
• Manage PCM closures in line with the timing requirements of the program.
• Audit any new suppliers, new manufacturing locations and / or any new processes being introduced as part of the NPIP program.
• Relationship Management:
• To provide an operational interface between JCB Business Units and JCB external component supply base, in relation to bought-out commodities.
• Build relationships at appropriate levels within the organization to support the effective closure of any escalated quality or delivery issues.
• Work closely with the plants and service teams to improve the overall Supplier Quality performance within JCB.
• Develop relevant relationships with key contacts within the supply base to facilitate unplanned supplier visits.
• Develop external relationships that will influence the supplier decision making process and ensure priority responses.
• Work with the NPIP teams to identify and mitigate potential disruption to builds.
• Work with the Group Purchasing Sustainability Champion and support relevant Sustainability & Environmental initiatives.
• Teamwork & Self Development:
• Shares best practice and lessons learned with peers to support others with objectives whilst driving personal development plan.
• Ensure that there is effective communication between all Supplier Development Engineers.
• Provide advice and support to commercial teams with regards to supplier performance and capability.
• Understands the business performance requirements and effectively communicates to the supply base.
• Circulate PCM’s and / or visit reports promptly following visits and take ownership in closing out all issues.
• Drives their personal development.
• Ensures adherence to and understanding of Purchasing policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Lean activity in order to support financial initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5 years relevant experience of an equivalent role within a manufacturing environment.
• Holding and building senior relationships within a global / matrix organization.
• Graduate caliber in manufacturing or engineering, with particular emphasis on quality management, materials management, and lean manufacturing.
• Preferably with professional qualifications – Six sigma certification to Green Belt level is preferred.
• Must pass any drug screens, background checks, and any pre-employment tests, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Total quality management.
• Lean manufacturing process / systems.
• New product introduction experience.
• Advanced product quality planning.
• Production parts approval process.
• 8D Problem solving.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Proven change and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Influential dexterity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Comfortable in an in-person office environment.
• Technical competence is a plus.
• Must be customer service oriented, flexible, and have a high energy level.
• Must have excellent follow-through skills.
• Must have a professional, polished, and sophisticated demeanor and be comfortable in most social settings.
• Must be open to domestic and international travel.
• Desire and proven ability to learn and grow.