Supplier Quality Manager - FNA Group

SUMMARY:

FNA Group is a world-class and leading manufacturer of consumer and industrial pressure washers and other outdoor power equipment. FNA's highly acclaimed brands include Simpson, Delco and CRX. Exclusive licenses with recognizable brands such as DeWalt, Stanley Black & Decker and Craftsman further strengthen FNA's market presence and awareness. FNA is a dynamic organization with unprecedented growth due largely to its ability to attract and retain highly talented associates.

We have a challenging and exciting opportunity for a Supplier Quality Manager to join the Quality Assurance team in Mesquite, TX.

Primary Purpose:

The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that the products and services supplied by external vendors align with the Quality Management System and Quality Policy, and also meet the company's quality standards and requirements. This role involves selecting, developing, implementing, and managing supplier quality processes, conducting audits, and collaborating closely with suppliers to drive continuous improvement. Also responsible for ensuring that suppliers continue to develop and implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste, and provide for continuous improvements and continue to meet quality standards required to minimize quality costs and maximize customer satisfaction while ensuring that procedures and processes are adhered to.

Responsibilities:

Strategy and Development:

• Supplier Evaluation and Selection:

• • Assess and qualify new suppliers through audits and evaluations.
  • Collaborate with procurement to ensure alignment of quality standards.

• Quality Assurance Processes:

• • Develop and implement supplier quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier quality.

• Audits and Compliance:

• • Conduct regular audits of suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.
  • Prepare and present audit findings, working with suppliers to develop corrective actions.

• Collaboration and Communication:

• • Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related issues with suppliers.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, including procurement, engineering, and production, to resolve quality concerns.

• Continuous Improvement:

• • Identify opportunities for process improvements within the supply chain.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance supplier performance and quality assurance.

• Training and Development:

• • Provide training and support to suppliers on quality standards and best practices.
  • Mentor internal teams on supplier quality management processes.

• Reporting and Documentation:

• • Maintain accurate records of supplier quality metrics and audit reports.
  • Prepare regular reports for management on supplier performance and quality trends.

General and Task Management:

• Lead supplier development strategy, designing the metrics for the function and supplier performance.
• Carry out supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier advanced product quality planning (APQP).
• Own and improve the Product Part Approval Processes (PPAP).
• Work with Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) team to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability meets product and process requirements.
• Support purchasing with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and health, safety and environmental risks.
• Support new product launches to ensure suppliers are capable of delivering to the required quality standards.
• Manage the root cause analysis and corrective actions process for supplier quality issues.
• Perform on-site supplier visits for root cause analysis and verification of corrective actions for supplier quality issues.
• Review and evaluate supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities within the supply chain.
• Where appropriate work with the supplier directly, create corrective action plans to address process failures.
• Review supplier manufacturing processes, collaborate with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities.
• Promote the use of customer preferred techniques for continuous improvement such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance understanding any commercial issues and impacts.
• Manage the Supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Manage supplier PPM (Parts per Million), supplier problem solving on time, cost recovery and supplier warranty indicators.
• Lead quality audits for suppliers.
• Ensure compliance and assist with adherence to the Quality Management System (ISO9001).
• Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact.
• Develop positive relationships and work closely with sourcing, supply chain, technology and engineering leaders to manage and implement supplier / engineering changes, new product introductions and transfers.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience with supplier audits and quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, planning and decision making.

Preferred:

• Certification in Quality Management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor).
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and Auditor certifications.
• Lean Six Sigma: Green or Black Belt certification.

Working Conditions:

• This position may require travel (including international) to supplier locations 25-30% of the time.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.