Head of Global Supplier Quality Management

Overview

To strengthen our team in Bergheim (Salzburg), we are looking for a “Head of Global Supplier Quality Management”, Reporting directly to the VP Quality Management of PALFINGER, this leadership role is dedicated to improving supplier quality and efficiency while acting as a key business partner to Procurement & SCM. Core responsibilities include ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance, fostering sustainable supplier development, and spearheading global quality initiatives. The primary goal is to improve quality, safety, environmental standards, and delivery reliability through proactive strategies and optimized processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the global supplier quality team, fostering collaboration, excellence, and continuous development.
• Partner with Procurement & SCM to strategically select, evaluate, and develop suppliers, aligning with PALFINGER's vision and supporting the PDP process for new products.
• Manage complaints and oversee supplier audits, certifications, and compliance with key standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001).
• Drive customer satisfaction by leading global quality initiatives and advancing supplier performance.
• Lead continuous process improvements by setting quality objectives, promoting innovation, and optimizing supply chain performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or Business, with over 10 years of experience in Supplier Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing, including leadership experience managing teams of up to 40.
• Highly skilled in outsourcing strategies and supplier development, with strong expertise in negotiating commercial agreements, complaints, contracts, and Quality Assurance Agreements (QAA) with suppliers.
• Expertise in failure investigations, RCFA, and quality methodologies (FMEA, APQP, CPL) as well as tools like 8D, Ishikawa, and 5 Whys.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to train, mentor, and lead cross-functional and global teams effectively.
• Fluent in English and German; additional languages are a plus; willing to travel up to 50%.

We offer

• Life balance through flexible working hours and freedom to organize your work
• Performance-related compensation
• Career and personal development opportunities in an international company
• Voluntary social benefits through our company's health management program PALfit
• Job ticket

Minimum yearly gross salary according to Austrian metal industry collective agreement is EUR 73,149.86 based on full-time employment. According to experience and qualification, we offer a market-conform overpayment.

Are you interested in the position and still have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Industries: Machinery Manufacturing and Manufacturing