Job Description

Position Overview:
Our client is seeking a highly skilled Supplier Development Engineer to join team near Kalamazoo, MI. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, new product development and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining supplier relationships to ensure the highest quality of materials and services are delivered to our organization.

Key Responsibilities:
- Ownership of all activities related to New Product Development, including Supplier onboarding, issuing and managing PPAP purchase orders, and supporting accelerated new product schedule deadlines.
- Develop and implement supplier development strategies to improve supplier performance in terms of quality, delivery, and cost.
- Conduct supplier audits and assessments to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.
- Lead the PPAP process to ensure that new and existing suppliers meet all required standards and specifications.
- Manage supplier performance metrics and provide regular feedback to suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including purchasing, quality, and engineering to resolve any supplier-related issues.
- Lead and manage supplier-related projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
- Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers to help them meet our quality and performance expectations.


What we are seeking:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier development, quality engineering, or a similar role.
- Strong project management skills with a proven track record of successfully managing supplier-related projects.
- In-depth knowledge of PPAP and other quality assurance processes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with ERP systems.
- Ability to travel as required to visit supplier sites.