Global Supplier Quality Manager

Itron, Inc.; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401k matching

Employee stock purchase program

Paid vacation

Job summary

Itron, Inc. is seeking a Supplier Quality Manager at our West Union, SC manufacturing facility. You will oversee end-to-end supplier quality assurance for Tier 1 and 2 suppliers globally, drive audits, PPAP, NPI support, and supplier risk management, and lead a Supplier Quality Engineering team.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations and Customer teams, set KPIs, and guide continuous improvement while traveling up to 25% to support supplier and project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of Supplier Quality/Manufacturing Quality experience.
• Experience with NPI, new source qualification, and PPAP/APQP activities.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Proficiency with core quality tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, 8D).
• Ability to interpret drawings and technical specifications; knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Six Sigma certifications or equivalent.
• Strong communication and supplier-management skills.
• Ability to lead global teams and drive cross-functional accountability.

Responsibilities

• Qualify suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and contract/PO quality requirements.
• Manage supplier readiness for NPI and new source qualification.
• Lead PPAP and design reviews; drive 8D problem solving for issues.
• Monitor supplier KPIs (DPPM, 8D cycle time, PPAP cycle time).
• Support plant operations with MRB disposition and containment.
• Review PFMEA, control plans, and measurement systems.
• Support design-for-manufacturability and tolerance analyses.
• Lead and develop Supplier Quality Engineering team.

Skills

Six Sigma Green Belt

ISO 9001

APQP

PPAP

NPI

8D problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

The Supplier Quality Manager oversees end-to-end Supplier Quality Assurance for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers globally and will be based at our West Union, SC manufacturing facility. The role ensures supplier capability, quality performance, and readiness for new and existing products across assigned commodities, technologies, and market segments. Responsibilities include supplier qualification, audits, PPAP, NPI support, issue resolution, continuous improvement, and supplier risk stratification. This position partners closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Customer teams, while leading and developing a Supplier Quality Engineering team.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality Assurance Qualify suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and contract/PO quality requirements. Manage supplier readiness for NPI and new source qualification. Lead part and product qualification (PPAP) and design reviews. Drive structured problem‑solving (8D) for customer, warranty, supply, and plant issues. Monitor supplier KPIs such as DPPM, 8D cycle time, and PPAP cycle time. Support plant operations with MRB disposition, containment, and issue tracking. Ensure adherence to compliance and quality system requirements. Evaluate supplier process capability and conduct process and quality system audits. Review PFMEA, control plans, critical‑to‑quality characteristics, and measurement systems. Support design‑for‑manufacturability, tolerance analysis, and technical specification reviews. Approve PPAPs and drive corrective actions for supplier‑related product and process failures. Support plant operations with troubleshooting and nonconformance disposition. People Management Lead, coach, and develop the Supplier Quality Engineering team. Set goals, manage performance, and allocate resources. Build capability, drive accountability, and support hiring and onboarding. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work with Engineering on design reviews, DFM/A, and PPAP deliverables. Partner with Supply Chain on supplier selection, performance, and escalations. Support Manufacturing/Plant teams with quality issues and production readiness. Coordinate with Program Management, R&D, Plant operations, Quality, Finance, and Compliance teams as needed.

Required Skills & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical field. 8+ years of Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or related technical quality experience. Experience working with suppliers in a manufacturing or product‑driven environment. Demonstrated experience with NPI, new source qualification, and PPAP/APQP activities. Strong knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001). Proficiency in core quality tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, 8D). Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements; knowledge of a broad range of manufacturing processes. Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt or equivalent certification Strong communication and supplier‑management skills. Ability to lead global teams, drive accountability, and influence cross‑functionally.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

ASQ CQE, CQM, CSQP, or similar professional certification Spanish &/or French communication is plus.

Travel: Up to 25%.

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non‑discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Physical Demands: This is a typical office job, with no special physical requirements or unusual work environment.

Benefits Info:

• financial, social, health and wellbeing programs
• paid vacation
• 401k matching
• employee stock purchase program
• hybrid work schedule
• and more!
• This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email [e-mail].

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com Our broad solution portfolio allows our customers to better manage energy and water for a sustainable future. Our innovative, next‑generation utility and smart‑city solutions help build resilient communities around the world. You can build your career here and do work that truly matters. Learn more about Itron here. 5000+ global employees Products and solutions deployed in 100+ countries Headquarters: Liberty Lake, Washington, USA Publicly traded: ITRI ESG goals and achievements Award-winning workplace Inclusion‑first work culture Commitment to employee growth and development: iGrow program Employee resource groups*: iBelong program Paid internships, co‑op and apprenticeships Generous and flexible paid time off* *Variable by location or position Hear from our Employees @ Itron Careers Your safety and trust are important to us. We want to make you aware of an increase in fraudulent activity targeting job seekers. Learn more Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Affimative Action Employer.