Supplier Quality Manager

Primary Function

Dashiell Corporation is seeking an experienced, results-driven Supplier Quality Manager to establish and lead a newly formed Supplier Quality function within the Procurement organization. This is a high-visibility build role with direct impact on project execution and company performance across Dashiell’s North American project portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish, build, and lead Dashiell’s Supplier Quality function from inception, including organizational structure, staffing plan, and operating cadence.
• Develop and implement the group’s processes, procedures, standards, and technology toolset.
• Recruit, hire, and develop surveillance personnel including quality inspectors and expeditors.
• Define and own key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure both supplier performance and group effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary cross-functional liaison between Supplier Quality, Procurement, Project Management, and Engineering.
• Design and implement a supplier quality surveillance program for critical equipment including power transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and other high-voltage apparatus.
• Oversee and coordinate Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and witness testing activities across supplier facilities.
• Manage third-party inspection (TPI) firm relationships, scope definition, and performance accountability.
• Establish and maintain a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) tracking, escalation, and resolution process.
• Review, approve, and challenge Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) submitted by suppliers.
• Conduct pre-award factory audits to assess supplier manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and capacity prior to purchase order execution.
• Lead and oversee ongoing supplier qualification assessments and periodic re-qualification reviews.
• Ensure all supplier quality documentation meets project specifications, client requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Develop and implement a manufacturing progress monitoring and expediting program across the active supplier base.
• Establish a regular cadence of production status reviews, milestone reporting, and delivery forecasting.
• Identify schedule risks early and drive corrective actions to protect project delivery commitments.
• Coordinate and conduct factory and mill visits to verify manufacturing progress firsthand.
• Oversee shipping and logistics coordination for critical equipment deliveries.
• Provide timely, accurate delivery intelligence to Project Management and Construction teams.
• Develop and manage a supplier scorecard and performance tracking system.
• Lead formal supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Issue and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) for quality and delivery nonconformances.
• Maintain and update the Approved Vendor List (AVL) based on objective performance data and audit findings.
• Provide regular, executive-level reporting to the Director of Procurement on supplier quality and delivery status.
• Develop and maintain real-time dashboards that give project teams visibility into equipment status and risk.
• Communicate proactively with Project Managers and clients regarding supplier issues, risks, and recovery plans.
• Represent the Supplier Quality function in project kick-off meetings, client reviews, and internal leadership forums.
• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline), Supply Chain Management, or Business; an equivalent combination of directly relevant technical education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supplier quality, vendor inspection, expediting, or supply chain management within an EPC, utility, power generation, or heavy industrial environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with high-voltage electrical equipment—including power transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and related apparatus—through manufacturing, testing, and delivery cycles.
• Proven experience building, leading, or significantly scaling a supplier quality or vendor surveillance function.
• Experience managing third-party inspection (TPI) firms including scope development, performance management, and cost control.
• Deep working knowledge of high-voltage equipment manufacturing processes, specifications, and testing requirements.
• Expertise in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), witness testing, and Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) development, review, and negotiation.
• Proficiency with relevant industry standards including IEEE, ANSI, and IEC as applicable to high-voltage apparatus.
• Thorough understanding of Non-Conformance Report (NCR) processes, Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) workflows, and quality management system fundamentals (ISO 9001 or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Strong executive-level communication skills—written, verbal, and visual—for internal stakeholders, suppliers, and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comfort working across digital collaboration and documentation platforms.
• Domestic travel of approximately 25% required for supplier factory visits, witness testing activities, and project site coordination; international travel may be required depending on supplier manufacturing locations.