Manager/Senior Manager - Supplier Quality & Sustainability

Description:

The role involves developing supplier quality systems for Natural Rubber, driving sustainability initiatives across the vendor ecosystem, and ensuring adherence to international standards such as IATF16949, VDA 6.3, etc and internal company's standards such as Vendor Quality standards, Supplier Code of conduct, etc.

The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, CSR & Sustainability) to strengthen supplier performance and build a robust, sustainable supply chain .

Job responsibilities

- Drive Sustainability and compliance requirements in the Natural Rubber area

- Sustenance of Sustainable NR activities with GPSNR (Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber)

- Manage EUDR (European Union Deforestation-free Regulation) compliant rubber supplies to India and EU plants

Sustainability Reporting as per GPSNR and BRSR requirements

- Lead vendor quality management initiatives, ensuring Natural Rubber (NR) suppliers adhere to quality benchmarks and sustainability requirements.

- Drive supplier performance improvement in the Natural Rubber (NR) supply chain by periodically communicating Supplier ratings (Quality, Delivery, & Service ratings) and through implementation of vendor performance improvement plans with the NR suppliers, where applicable.

- Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and process validations, with a focus on compliance to IATF16949, VDA 6.3, ISO20400 and drive continual improvement in the Natural Rubber (NR) Supply Chain.

- Ensure Quality Issue management and closure as per target timelines (for IAR & CAR) with NR suppliers and partner with suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and drive continuous improvement programs.

- Establish and monitor vendor quality KPIs (rejections, field complaints, PPM levels, Supplier ratings, Supplier audit scores, sustainability metrics).

- Train and guide suppliers on quality systems, sustainability practices, and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

- Benchmark best practices in vendor quality and sustainability, bringing innovative approaches to supplier development.

- Prepare and present management reports on vendor performance, compliance status, and improvement plans.

Preferred candidate profile

- Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Production / Industrial) or equivalent; Masters degree preferred.

- Certification in VDA 6.3 process audit standard

- Strong knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949), supplier audits, and sustainability practices.

- - Proven track record of driving sustainability programs across supply chains.

- - Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Willingness to travel for supplier visits and audits.