Sr Engineering Team Leader (Supplier Quality) - Pella, IA

Responsible for coordination of complex and multi-disciplined engineering projects from concept to implementation.  Coordinates all work within the scope of assigned projects to ensure objectives in terms of quality, cost, and time are met.  Leading supplied product producibility reviews for new and transitioned materials.  Follows the structure of Pella’s Safety, Quality, Project Management & Continuous Improvement Systems from concept through project execution.  Responsible for coordinating Pella’s PPAP review process and overall APQP compliance for purchased materials.  Leads advanced problem-solving projects with our suppliers that improve delivered quality. Assures that contracts are awarded to the outside vendors that offer the best value and appropriate quality, supporting supplier on-boarding activities as needed.  Responsible for effective communication of quality metrics, engineering information among team members and extended stakeholders. May supervise assigned technical team members and coordinate their work within the scope of assigned responsibilities.  Serves as an expert resource across the organization, providing technical information and engineering recommendations that influence projects.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Scope:

• Develop and implement supplier quality strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor and improve supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, and regular reviews.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action processes for supplier-related issues.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to resolve supplier quality concerns and drive improvements.
• Support new product development by ensuring supplier readiness and quality planning.
• Lead initiatives to reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and improve First Pass Yield (FPY).
• Manage documentation and reporting related to supplier quality activities.

Supervising Others:

• Lead and mentor a team of Supplier Quality Engineers, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.  Oversee supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes. 

Application Of Knowledge:

Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities.  Plans, schedules, and coordinates detailed phases of a project or task. 

Technology process owner; responsible for developing and applying knowledge across multiple disciplines across the organization.

Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed approaches, techniques or equipment when necessary data are insufficient.   Carries out assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures.  Possesses in-depth problem-solving skills utilized to determine and address root cause.  Work results in the development of refined equipment, materials, processes, products, technologies, and/or scientific methods.

Judgment:

Plans and coordinates work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation of advanced techniques and processes.  Knowledge and judgment have a direct effect on advancement of assigned technology.

Qualifications

Experience:

7+ years combined engineering experience within 2-3 disciplines (Process, Product, CI, Project, Quality, Audit, Manufacturing).

Education And Development:

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, or relevant Science or combination of education and experience.  Master’s degree preferred in Engineering, Math, or relevant Science.

• Responsibilities: Manage and improve processes to uphold product quality standards.  Track and monitor key quality performance metrics to reduce manufacturing defects.  The scope of influence of this position spans manufacturing, engineering, product development, sales branches and material vendors.  Strong influential leadership skills are necessary when planning and implementing PPM projects and when prioritizing plant quality activities.  The ability to effectively present information, defend a position and address concerns is key to fostering collaboration.  
• Supervisory responsibilities:  Supplier Quality Salaried and PNE Staff
• Work hours: Normal + irregular hours/shifts required
• Travel expectations: Moderate, Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office applications, ERP, and QMS 
• Technical / functional skills: Engineering statistics (Lean Sigma tools), APQP, 8D
• Safety: Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment may be noisy.
• Certificates, licenses, and registrations: Lean Sigma Green Belt certification and ASQ Certified Quality Engineer preferred.
• Leadership competencies: Apply technical and functional expertise, Manage and improve processes, foster collaboration, establish plans, Coach and develop people, Lead courageously

• Qualifications - Internal

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.