Supplier Readiness Specialist

Role Summary:

The Supply Readiness Specialist provides continues updates throughout the 7 gate KTM process and manages her/his assigned parts.

The activities require capabilities based on lifecycle management to help our company create high-performing supply chains that support long-term asset availability.

The incumbent works in close collaboration with Supplier Quality, Project Buyer, and attends regular cubing meetings with Supplier during the mile stones and gate process.

Role Responsibilities:

Project Management (30%):

• Maintains the timing commitments relative to development, tool build and initial sampling processes are met for all pre-series and series events.
• Ensure the accuracy for assigned parts for the reporting of parts status during all milestones of the PEP process for all vehicle projects and derivatives produced in Chattanooga
• Communicate and enforce project milestones, timing deadlines and deliverables to nominated suppliers. Ensure timely execution of (EMT, tooling, industrialization, capacity, supplier readiness)
• Track and report part availability status for all assigned parts
• Close collaboration with Supplier Quality to ensure flawless launches
• Perform risk analysis for new, critical or greenfield/brownfield suppliers
• Support and lead proactively the actions and resolution of problems related to assigned parts / suppliers
• Communicate and tracking of deliverables to Chemical leadership / Management

Supply Chain-, Technical- Management (30%):

• Support evaluation of new suppliers, new processes and materials, help and design alternatives to propose to engineering, quality, and headquarters.
• Sub-supplier management
• Support tool relocation incase chapter 11 and chapter 7 events.
• Tracks the implementation and feasibility check of producibility and or alternative designs
• Supports Supplier development to ensure readiness
• Monitor production of tools for VWGoA Operations at various suppliers and toolmakers around the world. Reporting status to KTM Leadership
• Monitor TPM programs at purchase part suppliers
• Report project, tooling, assembly line status based on committed supplier timeline
• Maintains Project files on share drive consistently
• Participate on tool try-out of tooling and assembly lines at suppliers / toolmakers to ensure they are on track to meet committed milestone

Commercial (20%):

• Assess the tool and assembly quality, define action plans and corrective action when deviate
• Technical responsible for planning and management of supplier development and investment activities for assigned parts in the pre-series phase and for vehicle projects:
• Tooling and fixtures
• Capital equipment
• Facilities / infrastructure
• Ensure accurate and timely issuance of start of tool and assembly production
• Review, evaluate feasibility and timing impact due to engineering changes
• Timely evaluation and implementation of engineering changes (AEKO, KV-AEKO) with the Supplier
• Support KTM Leadership for internal meetings (Steering Committee of Buy Part for Launching of New Projects, AEKO, FG, SET, EMT, Pilot Halle, etc.)
• Support with difficult or high-cost AEKOs, critical supply situations or escalation
• Support of presentation of ad-hoc requests from G3, PH, Product-Team, etc.
• Support the reporting of tooling development for buy parts inside the organization (track, process, and forecast)

General (20%):

• Responsible for her/ his assigned parts
• Assure 7 gate process is followed and is consistent with VWGoA, relevant K-BN-K Group requirements
• Follows processes and methods for the timely and accurate execution of Supply Readiness Tools and Forums, such as, Commitment meetings, Feasibility, Steckbrief Package, Visit Reports, etc.
• Supports the resolution of Purchasing-related problems with other functions within VWGoA and VW Group companies and Suppliers, thorough purchasing processes and procedures
• Uses the process standards for the for assigned Supply Readiness scope to meet expectations
• Active support for escalation and resolution of issues arising to the Chemical Leadership for the purpose of project-specific SETs, Fachgruppen, Steering Committee, Cubing Technical Meeting, Project Reviews structure
• Ensure cost-cautious behavior to all provided tools and VW assets.
• Perform other Purchasing tasks as required
• Proxy for other Supply Readiness Specialists in their absence

Qualifications:

Years of Experience:

• 5-7 years in automotive

Education - Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant professional experience

Education - Desired:

• International trainings
• German
• Spanish

Skills:

• Experience in automotive industry
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, injection molding, other technologies
• New vehicle launch experience
• High level of dedication and strong work ethic
• Ability to prioritize multiple and competing deadlines, maintaining customer orientation
• Effective communication with internal customers and with outside vendors/suppliers

Specialized Skills - Required:

• Computer Skills; Microsoft Office etc.
• Expertise in supplier technical development, readiness, business planning and cross-functional teamwork.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills

Specialized Skills - Desired:

• Knowledge of Volkswagen systems, tools and processes is a plus
• Quality ISO / QS / APQP
• Supply chain

Work Flexibility:

• Travel up to 80% at times of project phase; Weekend work and travel required based on project needs

Compensation:

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, industry-based experience, skills, training, credentials, and other qualifications.

In the state of California, the salary range is $85,900- $124,600.

In the state of Colorado, the salary range is $78,100- $113,300.

In the state of Washington, the salary range is $85,900- $124,600.

In New York City, the salary range is $93,700- $136,000.

In Westchester County, the salary range is $93,700- $136,000.

In the state of Rhode Island, the salary range is $78,100- $113,300.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.