How You Will Make an ImpactThe primary responsibilities of this position are to ensure proper alignment of our inbound supply chain, to drive for continuous improvement of our cost position, to be actively involved with supplier development and product improvement in support of strategic Procurement business strategies.
The Nuts and Bolts- Develop, lead, and implement business cost reduction strategies to improve Reading's cost position without sacrificing quality
- Interface with Reading and JBPCO Procurement teams to prioritize supplier development and sourcing needs to improve cost competitiveness or supply constraints
- Lead vendor initial qualification through the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), ensuring vendor products meet legislative, customer and Reading Engineering requirements
- Specify new or existing product acceptance/test criteria in collaborating with engineering and quality departments as needed
- Resolution of supplier quality issues and management of supplier quality performance
- Track the supplier's performance indicators, based on their scorecards and rankings, to facilitate and develop the supply base's ability to consistently meet or exceed defined expectations
- Research external market information, industry leading companies, technologies, products and processes to identify potential sources and suppliers. Keep up with current and developing manufacturing and engineering changes that concern product quality
- Deliver results as measured by key metrics, such as cost savings, supplier VA/VE, and corrective & preventative action closure
- Support product development and improvement teams by sourcing new technologies from qualified suppliers while leading the qualification process
- Responsible for leading the solution for supplier component concerns, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Supplier Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) support, supplier component development and supplier cost improvements
- Evaluate, coordinate and support sourcing opportunities in US and LCC (Low Cost Country) regions
- Be the liaison between Procurement and Engineering (i.e. new part or current part changes, ECN's, Master Data and drawing corrections, etc.). Work with Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) team through the change order process to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirements
- Challenge existing suppliers to recommend more cost effective and/or more reliable products that will improve our competitive position
- Act as consultant to communicate and coach the Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Procurement organizations to drive cost effective improvements to Quality and Manufacturing processes, minimizing waste, introduce new products and improve product design
- Provide technical expertise and leadership to sourcing and development of suppliers with respect to technology, performance, quality, cost, logistics and delivery
- Provide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain with regard to product development and procurement of parts
- Once qualified, drive supplier actions to verify part and process quality at the supplier's location to reduce the need for incoming inspection.
Required Credentials- Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Mechanical Engineering / MBA preferred but not required
- Minimum 5 years' experience in supplier quality or supplier development, and/or 3 years' experience within Reading Engineering
- Experience in Manufacturing and/or truck equipment industry
- Prior experience with cross-functional program management to qualify new components, supporting issues with current production, developing new suppliers to reduce cost, increase capacity, and auditing suppliers to ensure process conformance
- Continuous improvement experience including Lean or Six Sigma
- Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, specifications and regulations
- PC skills including MS Office, Auto CAD and Solidworks
Some of Our Total RewardsWe offer big company perks with small company culture:
- Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision and Life
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Generous Footwear, Eyewear, and Safety Equipment Discount Program
- Paid Training and Development Programs
