Manufacturing Consultant - Supplier & Operations Development

The TRIGO Group; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 138,000 - 248,000; Part time

Job summary

The TRIGO Group seeks an experienced Senior & Mid-Level Supplier Quality / Operations Consultant for project-based 1099 assignments across the US, Mexico, and Canada (initial focus in Mexico). You will act as TRIGO's on-site representative, leading supplier development, crisis management, and quality improvements at automotive suppliers and OEMs.

Responsibilities include conducting QMS/process audits to IATF 16949 or VDA 6.3, supporting APQP/PPAP, and developing corrective actions.

Qualifications

• 20+ years manufacturing experience.
• Strong background in Automotive Tier 1 quality/operations.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
• VDA 6.3 knowledge; certification preferred.
• Familiar with APQP, PPAP and core tools.
• Proven leadership and structured problem-solving.
• English required; Spanish fluency preferred.
• Willing to travel US, Mexico and Canada and stay on site as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and crisis management activities.
• Conduct QMS/process audits to IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.3.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and Automotive Core Tools implementation.
• Develop and implement corrective and systemic action plans.
• Drive operational and quality improvements with limited oversight.
• Present findings and progress updates to plant and corporate leadership.
• Serve as TRIGO's primary contact at supplier sites.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Travel readiness

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

IATF 16949 knowledge

VDA 6.3 knowledge

Core Tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, LPA, R&R, Capability, Poka-Yoke)

APQP & PPAP

Job description

Senior & Mid-Level Supplier Quality / Operations Consultant

(1099 – Project Based)

Automotive US / Mexico / Canada

Open to Travel

TRIGO Global Quality Solutions is seeking experienced manufacturing professionals for project-based 1099 consulting assignments throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada (initial focus in Mexico).

Position Overview

As a Supplier Quality & Operations Consultant, you will serve as TRIGO's on-site representative supporting automotive suppliers and OEM customers. Assignments may range from short-term containment and recovery efforts to longer-term quality and operational system improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and crisis management activities
• Conduct QMS and process audits to IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.3 standards
• Support APQP, PPAP, and Automotive Core Tools implementation
• Develop and implement corrective and systemic action plans
• Drive operational and quality improvements with limited oversight
• Present findings and progress updates to plant and corporate leadership
• Serve as TRIGO's primary contact at supplier sites

Qualifications

• 20+ years (mid to senior-level) manufacturing experience
• Strong background in Automotive Tier 1 Quality and/or Operations
• Working knowledge of:
• IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements
• VDA 6.3 (certification preferred)
• Core Tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, LPA, R&R, Capability, Poka-Yoke)
• APQP & PPAP
• Proven leadership and structured problem-solving experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred (equivalent experience considered)
• English required; Spanish fluency strongly preferred
• Ability to travel within US, Mexico, and Canada and remain on-site as needed

Ideal Candidate

• Former Quality Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Quality Managers, Operations Leaders, or Plant-level leaders from Tier 1 automotive suppliers
• Professionals seeking project-based 1099 consulting work
• Individuals who can confidently lead teams, hold accountability, and influence change

About TRIGO Global Quality Solutions

Founded in 1997, TRIGO provides quality control and supply chain services to the automotive, aerospace, and heavy transportation industries. With 10,000 professionals in 25+ countries, TRIGO is a trusted partner to leading global manufacturers.