2. Supplier development & Performance Improvement
Lead and support supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, cost, and capacity performance
Assess underperforming critical suppliers and support structured improvement plans with KPIs
3. Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management
Support supplier selection and strategic supplier footprint optimization
Build strong relationships with key and strategic casting suppliers
Act as escalation point for critical supplier issues and performance gaps
Collaborate with strategic suppliers on new technologies and process improvements
4. Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience
Identify and mitigate supplier risks (quality, capacity, financial, regulatory)
Support business continuity and resilience planning
Drive proactive risk mitigation aligned with category strategy and business objectives
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with category and division and engineering teams to define project objectives, processes, policies, procedures and rules
Serve as the authority for casting design, metallurgy, and tooling standards, ensuring adherence to specification
Explaining policy implementation to fellow team members
Support product development lifecycle (PDP) and supplier readiness activities
Support localization, globalization, and new product initiatives
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MAIN OBJECTIVES
Project problem resolution
Cost reduction and value creation
Supplier capability and capacity improvement index
Supplier risk reduction and continuity assurance
Category performance vs. strategic targets
Supplier development project completion rate
Qualifications Required
Metallurgist or Material Science background is preferred along with knowledge of gating systems for steel high-mix low-volume complex castings
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality
Experience in Technical aspects casting including sand castings, die castings, investment castings, permanent mold casting, and open/closed forgings procurement
Strong knowledge of casting processes (ferrous and non-ferrous) and global supply markets
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
Strong knowledge of supplier performance management and continuous improvement
Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills
Technical procurement, New Product Introduction and production procurement, manufacturing, or design/development experience
Make vs Buy analysis
Has a good understanding of latest technologies and trends in the industry
Preferred
Experience managing global casting suppliers (e.g., India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe)
Familiarity with ISO standards and quality systems
Experience in pumps, valves, turbines, or heavy industrial manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing knowledge
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Data-driven decision making
Influence without authority
Project management
Continuous improvement mindset
What Success Looks Like
Improved supplier quality, delivery, and cost performance
Strong, resilient casting supply base aligned to business strategy
Reduced supply risk and enhanced continuity
Increased supplier capability and adoption of best practices
Successful deployment of category and supplier development initiatives
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