Supplier Development Engineer

With over 80 years of innovation, JCB is the world’s largest privately owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. Operating 23 manufacturing facilities across four continents—including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil—JCB produces a diverse portfolio of more than 300 products, including telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.

As a family-owned business, we are accountable to our customers—not shareholders—which gives us the flexibility to focus on long-term innovation and delivering real value. This independence allows us to continuously develop advanced technologies and integrate them into equipment designed to perform in the toughest environments while maximizing customer productivity.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Senior Procurement Manager, this role is responsible for working with production component and critical indirect suppliers to sustain operational performance that satisfies business expectations. The role focuses on continuous improvement of Quality, Capability, Warranty, and Delivery within the supply base. A key responsibility is ensuring timely and robust resolution of escalated problems and adopting a “Right First Time” approach to New Product Introduction Programs (NPIP).

Position Type: Full Time, FLSA Exempt
Location: 13210 Palo Alto Rd., San Antonio, TX 78264

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience holding and building senior relationships within a global/matrix organization.
• Graduate caliber in manufacturing or engineering, with emphasis on quality management, materials management, and lean manufacturing.
• Six Sigma certification to Green Belt level preferred.
• Must pass drug screens, background checks, and any pre-employment tests as required by applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• Proven change and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Influential dexterity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Comfortable in an in-person office environment.
• Technical competence (a plus).
• Customer service-oriented, flexible, and high energy.
• Excellent follow-through skills.
• Professional, polished, and sophisticated demeanor; comfortable in most social settings.
• Open to domestic and international travel.
• Desire and proven ability to learn and grow.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.

Job Conditions

• Both office and occasional manufacturing/factory environment.
• Subject to noise and temperature changes.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain stationary, operate hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally stand, move, and/or walk.
• Frequently move and/or transport up to 10 pounds.
• Use specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.