Manufacturing Consultant – Supplier & Operations Development

TRIGO Group; Detroit (MI); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Senior & Mid-Level Supplier Quality / Operations Consultant to support automotive suppliers. The role involves leading developmental activities, conducting audits, and implementing operational improvements. Candidates should have 20+ years of manufacturing experience, ideally in automotive Tier 1 operations. Fluency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred, and travel across the US, Mexico, and Canada may be necessary. This is a flexible, project-based 1099 consulting opportunity.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing, primarily in automotive.
• Strong background in Automotive Tier 1 Quality and/or Operations.
• Proven experience in APQP and PPAP implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and crisis management activities.
• Conduct QMS audits to IATF 16949 standards.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans.

Skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Quality Management System knowledge

Operational improvements

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Senior & Mid-Level Supplier Quality / Operations Consultant

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).

We are open to both mid-level and senior-level consultants, ideally from Automotive Tier 1 manufacturing environments, who are interested in flexible, project-based work supporting supplier development, operational improvement, and crisis management initiatives.

This opportunity is well-suited for professionals who enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving measurable results in high-volume environments.

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)
• 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.

If you are an experienced manufacturing professional ready to apply your expertise in a flexible, high-impact consulting role, we encourage you to apply.

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