Job Summary:

The NPD Sourcing & Supplier Quality Head is responsible for developing and managing the supplier base for new products and ensuring that all supplied parts meet agreed quality, cost and delivery requirements from concept to start of production. The role works closely with NPD, Sourcing, Quality and Manufacturing teams to secure robust suppliers, smooth launches and stable series supply.

1. NPD sourcing & supplier selection:

- Partner with NPD, Design, and Purchasing to define sourcing strategy for new parts and technologies, aligned with cost, quality, and timing targets.

- Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for NPD components using technical, commercial, and risk based assessments.

- Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments (process, capacity, quality systems) and drive closure of action plans before nomination.

- Support the RFQ process, technical clarifications, and supplier nomination decisions with clear recommendations and risk mitigation plans.

2. Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)/ Production Part Approval Process (PPAP):

- Lead supplier side APQP activities for new parts, ensuring robust control plans, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, process flow, Measurement System Analysis, and Statistical Process Control are in place.

- Plan and coordinate PPAP submissions with suppliers, review documentation and samples, and secure approvals in line with customer/industry standards.

- Monitor supplier readiness for trials, pilot builds, and SOP; ensure on time availability of tools, gauges, and parts for each build event.

- Work with internal plants to validate incoming parts and processes, establishing appropriate incoming inspection (if required) for new components.

3. NPD & early life:

- Define incoming quality requirements and critical characteristics with Design/Process Engineering, ensuring clear specifications to suppliers.

- Monitor supplier performance during NPD and early life (PPM, on time delivery, 8D response), and lead problem solving for non conformances.

4. Continuous improvement & supplier development:

- Establish short and long term supplier quality and delivery improvement goals; track progress with regular reviews.

- Support suppliers in implementing process improvements, mistake proofing, and capability upgrades to meet PPM and capability targets.

- Lead cost of poor quality reduction initiatives related to supplied parts (scrap, rework, line disruption, sorting, warranty).

5. Cross functional collaboration & governance:

- Act as key interface between Suppliers, NPD, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Customer teams for all supplier related NPD topics.

- Ensure all activities comply with applicable quality management systems (IATF 16949/ISO 9001) and customer-specific requirements.