Under minimum supervision this position works on behalf of Quality Assurance and Operations to ensure that products meet drawing / purchase specifications, service and quality requirements. This position will drive process improvement through supplier manufacturing process, incoming inspection and in-process data analysis. The position will interface effectively and build cooperative working relationships with suppliers, contractor manufacturers, piece part and sub-assembly suppliers, and internal organizations. Tasks and responsibilities: * Teams with Purchasing to strategize, select, approve and develop suppliers through interviews and/or plant visits. * Develops suppliers through regular visits, planning meetings, and APQP tools to ensure continuous improvement through supplier performance measurement, goal-setting, and follow-up. * Conducts periodic and special surveys of supplier facilities and manufacturing process to determine adequacy and capability of quality control and ability to comply with complete specifications. * Performs material specific process audits of critical suppliers to mitigate supplier risk. * Initiates, monitors, and reviews supplier corrective action requirements involving defective material. Works on the continuous reduction of non-conformances from suppliers. * Tabulates, issues and monitors Supplier Performance Ratings. * Verifies each supplier's quality standards and continuous improvement systems and works with Purchasing to promote cost containment efforts. * Interfaces with Quality Engineers, inspectors, production associates and suppliers to resolve customer complaints resulting from supplier-related quality problems. * Manages the risk of non-conforming material getting into production. * Understands and complies with QSR and ISO 13485:2003, Requirements. * Performs or directs the inspection of purchased direct materials as needed. Participates on Core teams to launch new products. Includes supplier development, internal documentation, supplier-related documentation, gauging requirements, etc.
* Will represent, advocate, and ensure that suppliers' needs and capabilities are integrated into new designs. * Performs other activities as assigned * Responsible for exhibiting professional behaviour with both internal/external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.