Supplier Quality Commodity Engineer

About the role

Provides relevant data for supplier risk assessment during the Acquisition phase and sourcing process, including:

• Current quality and delivery performance
• Expertise depending on business scenario (Expert, Designer, Manufacturer, Sub-contractor)
• Competence depending on commodity and logistics scenario (Safety & Regulatory parts, pass-through, trade-sales, overseas shipment, etc.)
• Capability depending on R&D know-how and program management proficiency
• Capacity depending on laboratory equipment (Metrology, material testing) and manufacturing operations (Overall plant capacity analysis)
• Product/process innovation or new technology for the supplier

Manages the APQP elements until PPAP sign-off for all components nominated to assigned suppliers during the Development Phase, working with the Supplier Quality Leader (SQL) to support Program Quality Leader (PQL) and Program Purchasing Leader deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Communicates and ensures suppliers understand deliverables and activities for each program phase, including:
  • BOP Technical Specification
  • Program timing
  • Customer Specific Requirements
  • Build events (Prototypes, first off-tool, slow-build, Meisterbock, pre-series, etc.)
• Maintains internal database for supplier meeting minutes, performance tracking, or annual audit status (Quality System, manufacturing process, Safety & Regulatory)
• Delivers APQP and PPAP convergence to the SQL for assigned suppliers and manages recovery plans if necessary
• Issues claims to suppliers for quality issues during development and follows up on containment, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving activities
• Supports plant SQA and Serial Life Buyers to improve performance of critical suppliers in Serial Life or monitor implementation of:
  • Engineering Changes
  • Corrective action plans due to quality issues or audits
  • Production transfers
• Organizes workshops with suppliers for continuous improvement (Poka-Yoke robustness, scrap rate, state-of-the-art technology, etc.)
• Leads monthly Supplier Performance Reviews and monitors closing of corrective action plans
• Capitalizes on knowledge and shares best practices/lessons learned across the organization
• Commits to the highest ethical standards and adherence to Forvia Group policies (Code of Ethics, Code of Management, Environmental Policy, Quality Policy)

Requirements

• Knowledgeable in automotive quality standards and methods:
  • Statutory and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, ECE, EEC, CCC, etc.)
  • Quality Management System and audit requirements (ISO-9001, IATF-16949)
  • AIAG/VDA Core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
  • OEM specific quality requirements and product conformity specifications
  • Supply chain management (CQI-19)
  • Process audit (VDA 6.3, CQI-8/12/23, etc.)
  • Problem-solving methods (CQI-20, 8D, 3 Legs and 5 Why’s, Pareto analysis, statistical studies, etc.)
• Experienced with interior vehicle products and technologies in a lean manufacturing environment
• Knowledgeable in material laboratory testing (Plastic, metals) and dimensional analysis (GD&T, checking fixtures, CMM, etc.)
• Advanced skills in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Autonomy and leadership mindset with capability to build and manage a network
• Best practice sharing and continuous improvement mindset
• Results-oriented with strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a matrix organization
• Fluent in English; second language welcome (Spanish, French, or German)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS) desired; if less than a Bachelor’s degree, minimum 5 years of proven experience in the Automotive industry
• 3+ years of proven Quality function experience in the Automotive industry
• Certified Quality auditor preferred (ISO 9001/IATF 16949, VDA 6.3)

Benefits

• Engaging and dynamic environment contributing to sustainable mobility technologies
• Global career development opportunities (157,000+ employees in 40+ countries)
• Average of 22+ hours of online and in-person training through FORVIA University (five global campuses)
• Multicultural environment valuing diversity and international collaboration
• Inclusive culture with gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans
• Commitment to CO2 Net Zero and circular economy principles