Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Onsite Flexibility: Hybrid
Position Type: Contract (6 months)
Pay Rate: $79.05/hour (USD)
Travel Requirements: 50% domestic and overseas; travel to Canada required. Candidates must hold a current valid passport.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available at this time.

About the Role

The Supplier Development & Performance Manager leads end-to-end supplier performance improvement across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability. The role drives operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, structured problem-solving, and advanced supplier development strategies while supporting new product launches, supplier readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier performance management across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability including KPI tracking and reviews.
• Develop and execute supplier quality and delivery improvement plans to reduce SPPM and ensure on-time delivery.
• Perform supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and supplier training using Six Sigma and Lean methods, including Kaizen initiatives (e.g., VSM, TPM, takt optimization, changeover reduction, standard work).
• Lead structured problem solving (8D and root cause analysis) and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier readiness for new product launches, including APQP, PPAP, and process validation.
• Validate supplier capacity, scalability, and technical capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments across quality, processes, and capacity.
• Manage supplier-related programs for NPI, ramp-ups, and recovery initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, operations, and quality.
• Establish governance, define KPIs, and drive supplier performance standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain.
• 10 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, plant quality, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• Minimum of 10 years experience planning, monitoring, and optimizing capacity (people, systems, infrastructure, or production capability) to align with current and future demand.
• Must have started on a production floor and worked their way up through the ranks.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering; the candidate must have "lived" capacity optimization and not just talk about it.

Skills

• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Program & Project Management, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity analysis, and quality systems.
• Proven experience in supplier performance improvement and recovery initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• High level of resilience, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in matrix and cross-cultural environments.
• Proven ability to coach and develop supplier capabilities.

Preferred Skills

• Proven experience with new product integration, outsourcing, and greenfield operations.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
• 401k Retirement Fund

About the Client

This client is a leading provider of intelligent building solutions, offering a full range of digital systems and technologies designed to make buildings safer, more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable. Operating across commercial and enterprise markets, the organization serves clients nationwide seeking to improve operational efficiency and achieve mission-critical goals. Their teams include supply chain professionals, manufacturing engineers, quality specialists, project managers, and operations leaders working across a broad portfolio of smart building and sustainability initiatives.

About GTT

GTT is a minority-owned staffing firm and a subsidiary of Chenega Corporation, a Native American-owned company in Alaska. We highly value diverse and inclusive workplaces and support Fortune 500 organizations across banking, financial services, technology, life sciences, biotech, utilities, and retail sectors throughout the U.S. and Canada.