Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Job Summary

The Supplier Development & Performance Manager is responsible for leading 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, etc).
• 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 management 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.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Program & Project Management, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity analysis, quality systems.
• Proven experience in supplier performance improvement and recovery initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven experience with new product integration, outsourcing, and greenfield operations preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to travel 50%+ (Domestic and Overseas) and engage with supplier operations.

Additional Position Details

• Workers can be located almost anywhere near a major city within the US.
• Travel to Canada is required; candidates must have a current valid passport and be able to travel to Canada when necessary.
• 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 up through the ranks.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering required.
• The person must have "lived" capacity optimization and not just talk about it.