Supplier Quality Manager (SQMC)

Your Key Responsibilities

1. Track and report relevant KPIs/PIs, including countermeasures
2. Initiate the escalation process, if appropriate
3. Management of assigned suppliers and components in the PRE‑SERIAL phase of the projects:
   • Sourcing activities (feasibility commitment, Q‑readiness, obtain feedback regarding technical specification from supplier)
   • Manage the Component introduction (CI) with suppliers respecting deadlines and Schaeffler’s requirements
   • Conduct Supplier Component Review (milestone reviews)
   • Track and document the CI status
   • Implement and follow up on actions to avoid jeopardizing the production in Schaeffler
   • Ensure the implementation of Schaeffler’s requirements for suppliers within the assigned project.
   • Conduct onsite supplier audits (Run@Rate – Capacity verification & Process Audit VDA 6.3‑PAC)
   • Ensure full approval of M4 samples within CI
   • Ensure CI project after the Safe launch (exit criteria for Safe launch must be fulfilled)
   • Manage Special release process for prototypes/samples with deviations from the drawing
   • Processing of suppliers complaints and collaborate on the complaints costs management within CI phase (CI starts with sourcing, ends with Safe launch)
4. Coordination of project specifics within CI and reporting in the project.
   • Ensure availability of Maturity Evaluation/Risk Level Assessments and any updates from project team
   • Tracking and documenting of component introduction status and reporting to Project team.
   • Ensure timely nomination for each component within the assigned program
   • Ensure early involvement of suppliers (in cooperation with project purchasing)
   • Ensure knowledge transfer within BU (related to component introduction, component specification, supplier selection, technology experience)
   • Working on the connected CI projects with goal to ensure smooth and timely SOP at suppliers, including onsite kick‑off meetings, regular visits, milestone reviews and run@rate
   • Ensure the project specific requirements within the assigned projects.
   • Implement and follow up on actions to avoid jeopardizing the production in Schaeffler
   • Ensure Supplier Component Review execution – report the status of assigned CI projects to the project management
5. Management of assigned suppliers and components in the SERIAL phase of projects:
   • Conduct onsite supplier audits (Supplier Rapid Assessment and Process Audit VDA 6.3, PAS) and other assessments or visits, if appropriate
   • Manage Production transfer‑planned relocation, within the current supplier, including re‑sampling of products
   • Collaborate on Product modifications and/or Process change for purchased parts where the supplier requests permanent changes, including re‑sampling of products
   • Ensure the resolution of supplier complaint using problem‑solving methods (8D method: from D4 up to D8)
   • Collaborate on the complaints costs evidence (support at costs evidence and their communication to the supplier)
6. Provide support to BU/BD after Start of Production (ramp‑down of a project, phase out, insolvency, process/product modifications)
7. Collaborate on the Supplier evaluation and ensure the correctness of quality performance related data in the system

Your Qualifications

• English language (min. B2 level – Upper Intermediate)
• University degree (min. Bachelor’s in Engineering, Quality, or a related field)
• Min. 5 years of experience in project management with focus on quality, supplier quality, or a similar role within manufacturing or engineering environments
• Willingness to travel;
• Knowledge of business relevant Quality Management Standards (e.g. ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS 9100)
• Knowledge of quality core tools & methods (8D, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control plan, 5S, Lean production, Last piece inspection principle/Intermediate box inspection principle, Error proofing, Mistake proofing, Poka‑yoke, Traceability,…), as well as their VDA equivalents (MLA, PPA, PPF)
• Auditing skills and practical experience (according to VDA 6.3, ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
• Project management skills and practical experiences.
• Self‑confident and persuasive manner, assertiveness, analytical thinking, systematic approach, flexibility, excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team, and a sense of accountability