Description:

Role Overview

The Manager Supplier Quality Assurance will be responsible for leading and strengthening the supplier quality ecosystem across the organization. This role focuses on driving a strong quality culture by implementing an Integrated Management System (IMS) aligned with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and IATF 16949 standards. The incumbent will work closely with suppliers, manufacturing, procurement, and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across supplier materials and subcontracted vehicle manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality & Compliance

- Lead supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes to ensure compliance with defined quality standards and regulatory requirements.

- Conduct quarterly supplier performance assessments for key and critical suppliers.

- Ensure availability and verification of required supplier documentation, including mechanical & chemical properties, dimensional inspection reports, homologation, TAC, COP, and related certifications.

- Coordinate supplier approval, onboarding, and re-qualification processes.

Vehicle & Product Quality Assurance

- Collaborate with suppliers for quality inspection of vehicles (trucks and buses), including subcontracted manufacturing.

- Ensure execution of PDI inspections prior to vehicle delivery.

- Oversee vehicle quality checks including:

- Electrical inspection

- Shower testing

- Road testing

- End-of-Line (EOL) testing

- Safety testing

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

- Drive implementation and adherence to Integrated Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949).

- Analyze supplier quality data, KPIs, and trends to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.

- Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.

- Conduct root cause analysis for defective materials, components, and products, and ensure sustainable corrective actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Supplier Development

- Work closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve supplier performance.

- Provide technical guidance and quality support to suppliers to enhance process capability and product quality.

- Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement programs at supplier locations.

- Monitor and report supplier quality KPIs to senior management.

Documentation & Governance

- Maintain and update supplier quality manuals, procedures, audit reports, and quality records.

- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and automotive industry standards.

Qualifications & Education

- MBA in Supply Chain / Operations Management (Mandatory)

- Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Automobile / Industrial preferred)

- Preferred: QMS / Lead Auditor certifications

Experience

- 10-12 years of experience in Supplier Quality Assurance within an OEM or Automotive Manufacturing environment

- Hands-on experience with IMS frameworks including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and IATF 16949:2016

- Exposure to supplier development, subcontract manufacturing quality, and vehicle quality assurance

Key Skills & Competencies

- Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and quality standards

- Proficiency in statistical analysis and quality control tools

- Expertise in 8D, root cause analysis, and CAPA methodologies

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

- Strong stakeholder management and supplier engagement capabilities

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment