Job Description:
The Director, Supplier Quality is responsible for leading all quality performance, execution, and results within an assigned Business Unit. This role ensures that quality is fully integrated into daily manufacturing operations, driving measurable improvements in product quality, operational performance, and customer satisfaction.
This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective plant-level execution, ensuring alignment with Lean manufacturing principles and business objectives. The Director partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and cross-functional leaders and drive a proactive quality culture.
Primary Duties
Lead all quality performance for the Business Unit, with accountability for key metrics including External and Internal Defects per unit, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and overall customer quality performance
Provide leadership and direction to site Quality Managers and teams, Partnering with Site Leaders ensuring consistency and accountability across all locations
Partner with Operations leadership to embed quality into daily production processes and drive defect prevention
Lead response to customer complaints, escalations, and warranty issues, ensuring timely resolution and prevention of recurrence
Drive disciplined problem-solving using root cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3) to eliminate systemic issues
Ensure effective execution of enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) standards at the plant level, including audits, document control, and CAPA processes
Partner with the Director of Quality Systems to implement system improvements and provide feedback on effectiveness and usability
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality to improve incoming material quality and supplier performance
Monitor and analyze quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities across the Business Unit
Build and develop high-performing quality teams, strengthening capabilities in problem-solving, data analysis, and Lean quality practices
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-focused quality
Job Requirements
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field (Master's preferred)
10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing quality leadership
5+ years of experience leading quality across multiple sites in a matrix organization.
Automotive, HVAC or similar manufacturing industry experience preferred
Proven track of operational quality improvement, driving problem solving, visual management while developing teams on the shop floor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to quality
Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
Strong business acumen with the ability to connect quality performance to operational and financial outcomes
Dynamic, driven and can-do mindset
Essential Mental and Physical Functions:
Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively from shop floor employees to executive leadership
Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results across geographically dispersed teams
Capability to lead through influence, collaboration, and accountability
Ability to travel between manufacturing sites as required
Ability to work in and navigate production floor environments, including standing, walking, and exposure to typical manufacturing conditions
Work Environment:
This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environments
Regular exposure to production facilities, including shop floor conditions such as noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
Requires adherence to all safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in manufacturing areas
Travel to company locations and is expected up to 60% of the time, with occasional travel to suppliers or customers as needed.
The Director of Supplier Quality is responsible for leading supplier quality as it relates to performance, execution, and results across an assigned supply base. This role ensures that supplier quality is fully integrated into the procurement and supply chain lifecycle, driving measurable improvements in incoming quality, material availability in support of Production, material rejection as a component of
total cost, and overall customer satisfaction. This leader translates enterprise quality systems and standards into effective supplier-facing processes, ensuring a robust qualification process is followed, ongoing compliance, and continuous improvement. The Director partners closely with the Director of Supply Chain and the Director of Category Management-along with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations-to align sourcing and supplier strategies, manage supplier risk, resolve issues through disciplined problem-solving, and build a proactive supplier quality culture.
Primary Duties
Job Requirements
Education and Experience Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Essential Mental and Physical Functions:
Work Environment: