Supplier Engineering Director

Starz Advise Management Pte Ltd; Malacca City; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company is seeking a Supplier Engineering Director to lead supplier evaluation and qualification processes. The role involves developing a high-performing team and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should possess significant experience in engineering and demonstrate strong leadership and project management capabilities. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required, along with proficiency in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This position is located in Malacca, Malaysia, offering a competitive salary between MYR29,000 – MYR33,000 monthly.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Typically 8–10 years of relevant industry experience in industrial equipment or automotive fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of managerial or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage supplier evaluation criteria to meet quality, delivery, and cost.
• Lead new supplier selection through a structured qualification process.
• Mentor and grow a high‑performing engineering team.

Skills

Leadership

Six Sigma methodologies

Lean practices

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field

Tools

Six Sigma tools

APQP methodologies

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a global leader in delivering cost-effective semiconductor test and inspection solutions for mobility, industrial, automotive, and consumer sectors. As a publicly listed organization with a workforce of over 3,000 employees, the company specializes in advanced back‑end semiconductor equipment, comprehensive service offerings, and PCB testing technologies. With a strong international footprint across R&D, manufacturing, sales, and customer support in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, they remain committed to driving innovation, ensuring exceptional quality, and creating long‑term value for their customers.

Position Summary

The Supplier Engineering Director, reporting to the VP of Global Supply Chain, leads the strategic development of the global supply base by establishing robust supplier evaluation criteria, directing disciplined supplier qualification, and driving continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and cost performance. This role oversees and develops a high‑performing engineering team, partners closely with global quality and cross‑functional leaders, and applies deep expertise in Six Sigma, Lean/TPS, and advanced engineering practices to strengthen supplier capabilities. The Director evaluates manufacturing readiness, supports complex part and sub‑assembly production, leads PFMEA and process‑improvement activities, monitors performance through scorecards and KPIs, and implements strategic improvement plans while proactively identifying and mitigating risks that could impact overall supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and manage supplier evaluation criteria and scoring methodologies to ensure suppliers can consistently meet quality, delivery, and cost requirements.
• Lead new supplier selection through a disciplined, structured, and robust qualification process.
• Build, mentor, and grow a high‑performing engineering team capable of partnering with the supply chain to enhance supplier capabilities and quality performance.
• Align supplier capabilities with the company’s product and manufacturing needs.
• Provide high‑level problem‑solving support to address capability or quality gaps, driving improvement initiatives using Lean/TPS tools, Six Sigma methodologies, scorecards, and structured assessments.
• Direct and guide the activities of Supplier Development Engineers in Asia and collaborate closely with the global Quality team to engage suppliers and drive continuous improvement.
• Leverage deep experience in Six Sigma, Lean/TPS, and engineering practices to evaluate supplier organizational capability and identify improvement opportunities.
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards, rankings, and key performance indicators to strengthen and develop a reliable, high‑performing supply base.
• Support the manufacturing of complex parts and sub‑assemblies by providing technical expertise and supplier‑facing engineering support.
• Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Participate in and lead activities such as PFMEA, Work Instruction improvements, and Control Plan effectiveness with suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma methodologies, Lean/TPS principles, supplier scorecards, and formal supplier assessments.
• Implement the Supplier Development Engineering Playbook and develop strategic improvement plans for key suppliers.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration to resolve obstacles and roadblocks impacting supplier performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks that could prevent suppliers from meeting performance targets, escalating issues when necessary.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience leading improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Typically 8–10 years of relevant industry experience; background in industrial equipment, automotive, semiconductor, or medical manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams across multiple locations, ideally within a global organization.
• Minimum of 5 years of managerial or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies; Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Experience with Lean or Toyota Production System practices; formal certification is an advantage.
• Familiarity with machining, plating, and/or assembly processes is preferred.
• Proficient in Six Sigma and quality tools, as well as APQP methodologies (e.g., PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA).
• Relevant experience in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Management, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong project management capability, including experience facilitating Kaizen activities.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively with all levels of leadership.
• Proven problem‑solving strength, including the ability to interpret operational and financial data, develop corrective actions, and implement solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and documentation (including GD&T) is preferred.
• Experience conducting production readiness and rate readiness reviews or assessments.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to motivate teams and stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience working with global suppliers and/or customers.

Salary: MYR29,000 – MYR33,000 per month

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted