SCSA Supplier Quality - Product Approval Team Lead

The Supplier Quality – Product Approval Team Lead is responsible for leading a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) to ensure supplier product and process compliance to Cummins and industry standards. This role requires strong technical, quality, and leadership skills to achieve successful Product Part Approval Process (PPAP) execution, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders. The role demands strong global collaboration, effective communication, and expertise in supplier quality tools to achieve zero-defect product launches and sustained supplier performance.

Note:- Although the role category specified in the GPP is Remote, the requirement is for Hybrid.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 5–8 Supplier Quality Engineers to deliver global PPAP (Level 1–4) and other product approval process metrics.
• Ensure compliance with AIAG core tools (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA) and Cummins-specific quality tools.
• Drive continuous improvement in product approval and supplier quality processes.
• Conduct and lead internal and external audits to ensure product and process quality compliance.
• Mentor and train Supplier Quality Engineers on tools, methods, and best practices.
• Partner with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and global supplier stakeholders to enable product approval success.
• Support supplier selection processes, ensuring manufacturing processes are capable of meeting print and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts for supplier quality issues, ensuring corrective actions and systemic improvements.
• Apply knowledge of ASME standards (Sec. VIII Div. 1 & 2, B31.2 & B31.3) during quality reviews.
• Ensure robust supplier performance improvement plans and execute supplier development initiatives.

Skills And Competencies

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills across cultures, time zones, and technical domains.
• Technical Expertise: Ability to interpret engineering drawings with strong knowledge of GD&T and print standards.
• Problem Solving: Skilled in structured problem-solving methodologies and tools to resolve supplier/customer quality issues.
• Quality Standards: In-depth understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AIAG core tools, and statistical quality methods.
• Auditing: Knowledge of Quality Management Systems with demonstrated auditing skills.
• Manufacturing Process Knowledge: Ability to assess and validate manufacturing process design, measurement systems, and product reliability.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, influence stakeholders, and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Customer Focus: Demonstrated ability to build customer-centric solutions and foster strong supplier/customer partnerships.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies for process and product improvement.
• Cultural Competence: Values differences and leverages diversity of thought to strengthen decision-making.

Experience

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing within automotive or similarly regulated industries.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on Manufacturing or Engineering experience preferred.
• At least 2 years of proven team leadership experience, preferably in a global or cross-functional environment.
• Experience with supplier quality performance improvement, auditing, and global stakeholder management.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in Mechanical, Electrical, Production Engineering, or a related technical/scientific discipline.
• Licenses/Certifications:
• Relevant quality certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO/IATF Lead Auditor) preferred but not mandatory.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in Mechanical, Electrical, Production Engineering, or a related technical/scientific discipline.
• Relevant quality certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO/IATF Lead Auditor) preferred but not mandatory.

Work Timing - 12pm to 9pm

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.