Supplier Quality Developer

Supplier Quality Developer

Location: Howell Michigan
Salary: $85,000

I'm currently seeking a Supplier Quality Developer to join a well-established automotive manufacturing organisation in the Howell area. This role focuses on strengthening supplier performance, preventing quality escapes, and supporting successful product launches.

If you have experience working directly with suppliers, enjoy hands-on problem solving, and want to play a key role in improving supply chain quality, this could be a strong fit.

The Role

You will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure purchased components consistently meet technical and performance expectations. Your focus will be on supplier capability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing and onboarding new suppliers while supporting the development of existing ones

• Performing supplier audits and process reviews, with structured follow-up on corrective actions

• Leading production validation activities and reviewing required documentation prior to approval

• Monitoring supplier performance indicators such as defect rates, delivery reliability, and audit outcomes

• Driving root cause analysis and implementing long-term corrective measures for supplier-related issues

• Supporting new product launches to ensure supplier readiness and risk mitigation

• Partnering with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations to align quality expectations and cost objectives

• Maintaining regular communication with suppliers to reinforce standards and performance targets

What I'm Looking For

• Bachelors degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline

• At least 3 years of experience in supplier quality or quality engineering within the automotive sector

• Strong working knowledge of automotive quality standards and tools, including:

  • Production approval processes

  • Advanced quality planning methods

  • Risk analysis techniques (FMEA)

  • Statistical process control

  • Measurement system evaluation

• Practical experience conducting supplier audits (VDA 6.3 exposure preferred)

• Experience supporting supplier readiness during product launch phases

• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, fishbone analysis)

• Fluent English and Spanish

• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required

What Success Looks Like

• Improved supplier performance and reduced defect rates

• Smooth new product launches with minimal disruption

• Effective corrective actions that prevent repeat issues

• Strong cross-functional collaboration across the supply chain

This role offers the opportunity to directly influence supplier quality strategy and contribute to operational excellence within a dynamic automotive environment.