Supplier Quality Manager -
Propulsion Systems - DrivelineThe Supplier Quality Manager - Propulsion Systems is responsible for leading and executing supplier quality activities for complex, safety-critical driveline components including transfer cases, Power Take Off units, Rear Drive Modules, axles, prop shafts, half shafts, and axle disconnects. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) and serves as a primary interface between suppliers, internal manufacturing plants, Product Engineering, Purchasing, and senior leadership. The position plays a key role in launch readiness, serial production quality, and warranty acceleration initiatives, with direct involvement in North American vehicle assembly plants and the Quality Engineering Center (QEC).
Key Responsibilities:- Provide Supplier Quality leadership by directing and developing a regional SQE organization supporting propulsion commodities across multiple suppliers and manufacturing locations, ensuring clear priorities, effective resourcing, and strong performance.
- Own supplier quality performance end-to-end, including launch readiness, production quality, risk management, audits, and continuous improvement, with disciplined application of APQP/PPAP and structured recovery for high-risk suppliers.
- Serve as the primary quality interface to internal plants and cross-functional teams, driving rapid issue resolution, prevention of recurrence, and alignment across Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Logistics, Warranty, and Program Management.
- Accelerate field and warranty issue resolution by partnering with QEC, Control Tower, plants, and suppliers to identify risks early, contain issues quickly, and implement systemic corrective actions.
- Ensure supplier readiness for launches and major changes by leading cross-functional reviews, safe launch activities, and proactive risk identification related to capacity, process stability, and technical complexity.
- Engage directly with senior leadership and supplier executives, delivering clear, data-driven updates on quality risk, launch status, and warranty issues, and leading executive-level escalations and reviews.
- Drive governance, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring adherence to quality standards, fostering accountability, and deploying lessons learned across propulsion programs to improve future execution.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or similar) with 10+ years of experience.
- Extensive experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Product Engineering within the automotive industry.
- Strong technical understanding of propulsion systems, including engines, transmissions, and drivelines.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing technical teams.
- Proven ability to perform and lead supplier and process audits.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, including senior executives.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience supporting warranty, field quality, or rapid response quality organizations.
- Familiarity with North American automotive manufacturing plants and high-volume production environments.
- Experience managing suppliers during complex product launches and major change events.
- Knowledge of industry quality standards and customer-specific requirements.
