Supplier Quality Development Engineer

About the role

The Supplier Quality Commodities Engineer (SQC) is responsible for developing supplier quality performance (timing, quality, delivery, service) for a defined list of suppliers within specified Commodities. SQC supports the ASQs, plant SQAs, the serial life buyers, and works closely with commodity buyers to follow-up and improve the overall performance of suppliers.

Responsibilities

• New supplier qualification
  • Evaluate the Quality system and technical level of the supplier using existing VDA and Forvia standards.
  • Qualify, approve, and onboard suppliers to become strong partners.
• New component or change
  • Give recommendations for supplier selection in programs and series.
  • Contribute to the supplier selection and product evaluation before sourcing committee through thorough technical risk assessment.
  • Support ASQ with APQP elements at the supplier (Boundary samples set up, Process Audit, Run@Rate with MPT checklist, …).
  • Be a strong partner to the ASQ / SQA to ensure the right coordination and support.
• Claim support
  • Support plant SQA (serial life) and ASQ (program) for claim-related activities at supplier when needed.
  • Carry out improvement/convergence plan with Red list Suppliers (as defined from red list or agreed by commodity).
  • Manage Temporary Quality Wall eradication at suppliers.
• Supplier Development
  • Support, train, and coach external suppliers on FORVIA key requirements (QB, problem-solving, …).
  • Monitor the quality performance from innovation, program phase, serial life to warranty and improve performance.
  • Define and drive strategic supplier development action based on risk assessment, audit, or escalation outcomes.
  • Lead Supplier Performance Reviews and monitor the closing & effectiveness of corrective action plans.
  • Propose continuous improvement ideas in business efficiency and cost reduction.
  • Manage supplier escalation when appropriate according to Forvia procedures.
• Commodity toolbox improvement
  • Analyze monthly supplier claims root causes and lessons learned to identify systemic and/or technical weaknesses to be considered in the Commodity technical assessment tool.
  • Capitalize on knowledge and share best practices/lessons learned within the commodity network and across the organization monthly.
  • Contribute to generic specification standards improvements with related engineering experts.
• Knowledge sharing
  • Train SQ team members in commodity technical requirements to ensure integration in the Program (ASQ) and Claim (SQA) management and support the permanent increase of the SQ network technical expertise.
  • Special focus on product safety and regulatory compliance during the entire product lifetime, with the ability to perform audits with a focus on special and critical characteristics.

Requirements

• Qualifications
  • Minimum education level: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technician with an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Experience
  • 5 to 10 years of proven Quality function experience in the Automotive industry.
  • For newcomers, a mentor should be nominated within the commodity SQC team.
  • Practical technical experience in the assigned commodity(ies).
  • Systematic and methodic complex problem-solving capabilities (Pareto, 5W, Ishikawa, Reverse FMEA, IS/IS NOT, QRCI).
  • Practitioner of continuous improvement tools and lean management at suppliers (i.e., visual management, implementation of smart goals through KPI’s, LEAN wastes, one-piece flow, etc.).
• Skills and competencies
  • Specialist in commodity technology.
  • Good knowledge or certified (preferred) in Automotive core tools (ISO-9001, IATF-16949, VDA 2, VDA 6.3, APQP, PPAP/PPF, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, etc.).
  • Management of special and critical characteristics (SC/CC).
  • Customer-specific requirements (CSR).
  • Company’s products and technologies.
  • Automotive process approach for auditing suppliers.
  • Fluent in English with strong written and communication skills.
  • Negotiation skills.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Autonomy and Leadership mindset.
  • Capability to build and manage a network.
  • Best practice sharing and improvement mindset.
  • Results-oriented with strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Understand the group functional organization.
  • The employee is aware and ensures the respect of the internal rules, code of ethics, and management code when applicable.
• Nice to have
  • Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability standards understanding.
  • Cost model skills.
  • Finance basis: basic rules, cost management tools.

Benefits

• Engaging and dynamic environment contributing to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.
• Opportunities for career development within a global automotive supplier employing over 157,000 people in more than 40 countries.
• Multicultural environment valuing diversity and international collaboration.
• Average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world).
• Commitment to CO2 Net Zero, with Forvia being the first global automotive group certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard.