Supplier Quality Engineer
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
Supplier Quality Assurance & Performance Management Supplier Non-Conformance, Claims & Corrective Action Management Incoming Quality Control Management Supplier Audit Program Management Mercedes-Benz Project Management (START Portal) PPAP & Change Management (PIA Portal) SAP Quality Management Administration Packaging Quality Management (PDS review) Reporting & Quality Cost Management Quality Management System Compliance to Symbio Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Purpose: Ensure supplier quality performance meets customer, ZF Foxconn and internal requirements. Supplier Quality Assurance & Performance Management Monitor, evaluate and improve supplier quality performance using KPIs, supplier scorecards, PPM, complaints, audit results and customer feedback. Lead supplier performance reviews, development activities and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze quality performance using statistical tools including SPC, Cpk, Cmk and Six Sigma methodologies. Lead problem-solving and Root Cause Analysis activities utilizing tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa (Fishbone), Pareto and FMEA methodologies. Represent Supplier Quality during internal, supplier and customer meetings and ensure proper follow-up on agreed actions. Supplier Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Management Initiate, manage and close supplier quality complaints, claims and corrective actions arising from incoming inspection, production and customer concerns. Lead containment, sorting, rework and disposition activities related to supplier non-conforming products Review, approve and monitor supplier 8D reports and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions. Coordinate defective material returns, replacement parts and supplier recovery activities. Escalate significant supplier quality issues to management and relevant stakeholders where required. Incoming Quality & Material Control Manage incoming inspection activities and ensure compliance with approved inspection plans and standards. Develop and maintain inspection instructions, rework instructions, sorting instructions, Quality Alerts. Ensure appropriate control, segregation and disposition of non-conforming products and materials. Packaging & Logistics Quality Management Review and approve Packaging Data Sheets (PDS) and packaging specifications. Ensure packaging solutions meet customer, logistics, quality and production requirements. Coordinate packaging approvals and changes associated with new projects, engineering changes and supplier changes. Supplier Audits & Process Compliance Develop and execute annual supplier audit plans. Conduct and manage Product, Process, Requalification, System and VDA 6.3 audits as applicable. Conduct Process Series Reviews (PZS) and supplier process assessments. Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions resulting from audits. Conduct supplier site visits to support supplier development, quality concerns, capacity reviews and new projects. Project Management, PPAP & Change Management Manage supplier quality deliverables for new projects through applicable customer and company systems, including Mercedes-Benz START. Manage PPAP submissions and customer approvals through systems such as PIA for new products, engineering changes, supplier changes and process changes. Coordinate ISIR, EMPB, PSW and PPAP documentation and approvals. Review and manage supplier product and process changes, ensuring all quality requirements and customer approvals are obtained prior to implementation. Maintain and update quality documentation including PFMEA, Control Plans, Inspection Plans and related documents affected by changes. SAP QM, Systems & Documentation Management Maintain SAP Quality Management (QM) activities including Supplier Complaints (X2), Inspection Plans, Quality Master Data, Usage Decisions, Cost Recovery and Material Block/Release transactions. Maintain supplier quality records and documentation. Administer customer and company quality systems and portals including START, PIA and other customer-specific applications. Maintain SQE-related documentation within the Quality Management System and Symbio platform. Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, company procedures and ZF Production System (ZFPS) requirements. Reporting & Management Systems Prepare and maintain supplier performance reports, audit reports, 8D status reports, non-conformance reports, quality cost reports and other management reports. Monitor supplier-related quality costs, scrap, rework and defect trends. Support and participate in customer, internal and third-party audits including IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and VDA audits. Provide training, coaching and technical support on supplier quality and non-conforming product processes. Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities Comply with all Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety Management System requirements. Promote a strong safety culture and actively participate in safety improvement initiatives. Perform all duties in accordance with company policies, customer requirements and applicable standards.
AUTHORITY
Initiate corrective actions on non-conforming products and processes. Raise and manage supplier complaints and claims. Initiate containment, sorting and rework activities. Reject incoming material that does not conform to requirements. Block and release material within approved procedures. Review and approve supplier corrective actions and 8D reports. Escalate supplier quality concerns where necessary. Recommend suspension of production activities where significant quality risks exist.
LIMITATIONS
Not authorised to modify or amend any process or procedures without approval of Senior. Commit the company contractually to suppliers or customers without delegated authority. Operate outside approved company procedures and authorization levels. Not authorised to disclose any product or data information that may result in transfer of specialised technology or negative impact on ZFFCN or Customer business/image. Exercise disciplinary authority unless formally delegated.
DEPUTY
In the absence of the Supplier Quality Engineer, responsibilities shall be undertaken by: Quality Manager or a suitably qualified delegate nominated by Management to ensure continuity of SQE activities.
PROFILE (Minimum Qualifications/Requirements)
Education Degree/Diploma in: Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or related Quality Engineering Or equivalent engineering qualification Experience Minimum 3–5 years' experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Quality. Experience within an automotive or manufacturing environment. Experience managing supplier audits and supplier development activities. Experience in supplier audits, supplier development, PPAP, APQP, engineering change management and customer-specific requirements. Experience using customer-specific portals and quality systems. Experience in SAP QM.
Technical Competencies
Strong knowledge of: IATF 16949 ; ISO 14001 ; ISO 45001 APQP; PPAP; FMEA; SPC; MSA; ISIR; PSW VDA 6.3; 8D Methodology; Six Sigma; Root Cause Analysis; Control Plans Knowledge of Process Series Audits to VDA 6.3 Ability to perform Cpk and Cmk capability studies. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and standards. Proficient in: SAP QM; Microsoft Office; START; PIA; ; Customer quality portals ZF quality systems. Proficient in customer and supplier portals including START, PIA and other customer-specific systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and standards. Knowledge of Packaging Data Sheets (PDS) and logistics quality requirements. Knowledge of ZF Production System (ZFPS).
Mandatory Requirements
Qualified VDA 6.3 Process Auditor. Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to suppliers and customers as required.
Personal Competencies
Strong leadership and facilitation skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving ability. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and planning skills. High reliability and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams. Strong customer and supplier relationship management skills. Fluent in English (written and verbal).
Why work with us?
At ZF Foxconn, we do not just build chassis systems - we build possibilities. We are a team of thinkers, creators and doers who believe in the power of innovation, collaboration and purpose-driven work. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just starting out, there is a place for you here. We are guided by three principles that shape us: Customer Focus - We deliver solutions that make a difference. Accountability - We are trusted to do our jobs and we own our actions and decisions Passion - Our passion drives everything we do. These values are not just words - they are how we show up every day.
Impactful work - Your ideas matter. From day one, you will contribute to projects that make a real difference Inclusive Culture - We celebrate diversity and foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued Growth & Development - We invest in your future with mentorship, training programs and clear career paths . Flexibility & Wellbeing - Hybrid work options, wellness initiatives and being people-focused help you thrive inside and outside of work.
We can't wait to meet you.
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