Senior Manager - Supplier Quality Chassis

Role Purpose

This position entails overseeing new part development with external suppliers to enable successful launches of new products or to implement necessary changes in existing products.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate part designs from Engineering for manufacturability alongside Matched Pair team, Engineering, and Purchasing departments.
• Engage early with suppliers during vehicle development phases to secure quality and punctual delivery of parts through Early Vendor Involvement (EVI).
• Identify and recommend promising suppliers based on engineering's Statement of Requirement (SOR).
• Assist in supplier shortlisting by conducting technical capability reviews jointly with Purchase, Engineering, and FMQ during the sourcing council.
• Participate as a cross-functional team member in Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) reviews to capture potential design failures.
• Develop part-specific plans (PFEP) aligned with the vehicle build schedule.
• Create Advanced Product Quality Plans (APQP) in collaboration with suppliers, ensuring adherence to vehicle build timelines.
• Analyze part designs to list Critical to Quality (CTQ) parameters for fit and reliability assurance.
• Approve design validation plans specifying testing schedules following Engineering specifications.
• Formulate manufacturing plans for suppliers, including process flow charts, facility layouts, PFMEA, risk priority number (RPN) reduction strategies, and tooling specifications.
• Validate Tier 2 suppliers' tooling, equipment, production capabilities, and PPAP compliance.
• Develop quality plans encompassing APQP review frequency, control plans, gauges, operator instructions, boundary samples, and testing guidelines.
• Oversee training of team leaders, quality personnel, and operators in production and quality aspects of parts.
• Monitor tooling development readiness, conduct tooling kick-off reviews, and manage associated risks.
• Coordinate initial sample approvals with Quality Assurance teams for initial run and mass production releases.
• Implement comprehensive 3-stage PPAP processes, including process validation, material evaluation, and production containment.
• Lead Installation Quality Audits (IQA) alongside production and supplier teams for proprietary and black box components.
• Manage vehicle-level fitment trial report (FTR) sign-offs with cross-functional teams.
• Authorize part submission warrants (PSW) confirming parts meet specifications and volume requirements.
• Set early production issue containment plans, monitoring part quality during initial production phases.
• Track parts per million (PPM) defect rates for developed parts over defined periods.
• Identify and drive Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) opportunities to meet cost reduction objectives.
• Handle tool capitalization, process payments, conduct tool audits, and ensure closure of identified tool issues.
• Perform Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to assess supplier health and identify improvement areas.
• Develop an efficient strategic supplier base to fulfill organizational needs.
• Resolve customer claim tracking (CCT) issues promptly.
• Plan capacity and demand fluctuations to ensure seamless part supply meeting volume forecasts.
• Conduct supplier audits, implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies, and support problem-solving efforts.
• Utilize project management and process knowledge with SAP Material Module proficiency.
• Understand various manufacturing technologies focusing on yield, quality consistency, robustness, and cost efficiency.
• Recommend alternate manufacturing methods for parts to achieve capital expenditure savings and sustained quality.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions to contribute inputs on design feasibility.
• Advise on suitable tool makers and quality expectations.
• Possess knowledge of metals like steel, aluminum, and advanced high-strength alloys used for vehicle body, chassis, engine, and structural components.
• Understand sheet metal fabrication processes such as cutting, stamping, bending, welding, and painting.
• Comprehend surface treatment technical standards and specifications.
• Grasp materials science related to casting, forging, and machining processes.
• Familiar with types of rubber (natural, synthetic, compounds) and production techniques including molding, extrusion, and vulcanization.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a B.Tech or B.E. degree in any specialization.