Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing

SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE & READINESS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST, MANUFACTURING USA Full-Time, Remote NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches), Alexander Dennis (single and double-deck buses), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base in our buses and coaches around the world. Further information is available at www.nfigroup.com. POSITION SUMMARY: The Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing is responsible for evaluating supplier manufacturing operations to determine whether they are stable, scalable, and capable of reliably supporting current and future production requirements. This is a unique opportunity to help establish and shape NFI's Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment program through the evaluation of supplier manufacturing operations, production systems, and execution readiness across NFI's global supply base. This role focuses on how suppliers actually execute on the shop floor, assessing production systems, scheduling practices, operational controls, capacity management, and overall manufacturing effectiveness. You will help identify operational risks and improvement opportunities before they impact supplier performance, delivery commitments, or future growth. WHY JOIN US: Be part of a team leading the world's electrification of mass mobilityCompetitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibilityPaid holidays and vacation401K with generous company matchPassionate about creating a better product, a better workplace, and a better worldInclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team membersOn-the-job training in a continuous learning environment (we invested $15.9 million in 2024) Advancement opportunities within our family of companiesWe are proudly named one of Manitoba's Top 25 employers WHAT YOU WILL DO: Conduct on-site supplier assessments focused on manufacturing execution and operational performanceEvaluate production planning, scheduling, level loading, and capacity utilization processesAssess plant layouts, workflow efficiency, material movement, and work-in-process controlsIdentify bottlenecks, production constraints, throughput limitations, and operational risksReview operational KPIs, visual management systems, and daily management practicesEvaluate manufacturing process discipline, standard work adherence, and workforce training effectivenessAssess scalability of supplier operations during growth, demand fluctuations, and new product introductionEvaluate equipment readiness, maintenance practices, tooling availability, and reliance on overtimeIdentify systemic risks impacting quality, delivery, cost, and production stabilityProvide evidence-based recommendations to improve manufacturing performance and operational readinessSupport corrective action development and validation activitiesContribute to overall supplier readiness evaluations and risk assessments Requirements WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL: 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations leadership, industrial engineering, production planning, or operational excellenceStrong knowledge of manufacturing systems, production scheduling, capacity planning, and factory operationsExperience evaluating high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environmentsLean Manufacturing and continuous improvement expertiseUnderstanding of material flow, work-in-process (WIP) management, operational KPIs, and constraint managementExperience supporting operational turnarounds, supplier recovery efforts, or manufacturing transformations is preferredStrong observation, analytical, and problem-solving skillsAbility to quickly identify operational risks within complex manufacturing environmentsExcellent communication and report-writing skillsAbility to travel up to 50% Benefits Salary Range: $140,000-$170,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications Standard Hours: 5 Days, 8 hours, Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM- 4:00PM OUR WHY: We exist to move people. Our mission is to design, deliver, and support market-leading bus and motorcoach solutions that are safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable. Our values—safety, quality, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and sustainability—are at the core of everything we do. NFI Group | We Move People - YouTube Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI offers a wide range of propulsion-agnostic bus and coach platforms, including market leading electric models. Through its low- and zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, arbocsv.com, and carfaircomposites.com.