Global Head Supplier Quality

Merck Group$174K — $225K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in Supplier Quality or related areas, with leadership experience.
  • Proven record of leading global teams in a complex manufacturing setting.
  • Strong understanding of supplier qualification, audits, and risk management.
  • Lead Auditor certification or experience with ISO 9001 quality auditing.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and establish strategy for Supplier Quality across global teams.
  • Manage supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and global quality governance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supplier performance.
  • Mitigate supplier risk through effective change management and audits.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Performance-based bonuses may be available.
Full Job Description
Location: The Global Head of Supplier Quality is a hybrid role in Allentown, PA with approximately 15% domestic and international travel required to meet business needs.

Your Role:

The Global Head of Supplier Quality leads the global Supplier Quality organization within Delivery Systems and Services and is responsible for establishing the strategy, standards, and governance that ensure a high-performing, resilient, and compliant supply base. This role provides leadership to regional Supplier Quality teams and partners closely with Procurement, Engineering, New Product Development (NPD), Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to drive supplier performance, mitigate risk, and support business growth. The position is leading the end-to-end supplier quality lifecycle, including supplier selection, qualification, introduction, performance management, supplier development, change management, and disqualification activities when business needs require. This role also drives continuous improvement initiatives, supplier risk management, and global quality governance to ensure consistent execution across all regions and suppliers.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, or Supply Chain roles, including leadership responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated experience leading global or multi-regional teams within a complex manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, supplier audits, supplier quality systems, change management, corrective actions, and supplier risk management.
  • Lead Auditor certification or experience conducting or overseeing ISO 9001 audits and quality auditing principles across a global supply base.
  • Experience establishing and maintaining supplier quality standards aligned with applicable ISO, regulatory, and customer requirements.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading global supplier quality organizations and developing long-term supplier quality strategies.
  • Expertise in Quality Management Systems, Lean Six Sigma, FMEA, RCCA, 8D, CAPA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Lead Auditor certification or experience conducting or overseeing IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or other industry-specific quality system audits.
  • Experience supporting supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and introduction of new suppliers and technologies.
  • Demonstrated success developing supplier governance programs, supplier performance frameworks, and supplier development initiatives.
  • Deep understanding of electronics, advanced manufacturing, specialty materials, semiconductor, or other complex global supply chains.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with experience driving change in a global environment.
  • Proven ability to build strong partnerships across functions and influence decision-making at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to balance quality, cost, delivery, innovation, and risk while building strategic supplier partnerships that support business growth.


Pay range for this position: $174,000 - $225,000

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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