Sr Quality Manager

Generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is seeking a Senior Manager, Supplier Quality to lead advanced supplier quality initiatives and ensure readiness of suppliers and components for product launches and ongoing production.

You will partner with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing facilities, and suppliers to improve quality, resolve complex issues, and reduce risk while driving continuous improvement across the supplier network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; certification/license.
• 7+ years QA in plant or supplier quality; 5+ years with an OEM.
• 3 years PPAP/APQP, PFMEA, ISO experience.
• 3 years people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality activities for NPI, ensuring readiness for production launches.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to identify risks and improve performance.
• Resolve complex supplier quality issues using root cause analysis, corrective actions, 8D problem solving, Lean methodology, and statistical tools.
• Support sourcing and supplier development activities through supplier assessments, design reviews, PPAP, audits, and identification of critical component characteristics.
• Drive improvements to supplier quality systems and performance while identifying gaps, reducing risk, and advancing the Generac Quality Management System (GQMS).
• Monitor supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and scorecards to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and communicate performance to leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop a regional Supplier Quality team, establishing priorities and providing mentorship to achieve quality, cost, and project objectives.
• Manage supplier quality concerns involving purchased components, including containment, corrective action, supplier recovery, and long-term quality improvement plans.
• Coordinate supplier quality initiatives across multiple business groups and regions while managing key timelines, priorities, and milestones.

Skills

Supplier Quality

Leadership

Root Cause Analysis

8D Problem Solving

Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional Collaboration

Lean Methodology

Statistical Tools

PPAP/APQP

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Senior Manager, Supplier Quality will lead advanced and current supplier quality initiatives, ensuring suppliers and components are ready to support successful product launches and ongoing production. This leader will partner closely with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing facilities, and suppliers to improve quality, resolve complex issues, and reduce risk. The role will lead a commodity-focused Supplier Quality team and drive continuous improvement across the supplier network. Travel to local facilities and global suppliers is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality activities for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring suppliers, components, and purchased finished goods are ready for successful production launches.
• Partner with Engineering, Global Sourcing, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to identify quality risks, improve performance, and ensure quality requirements are achieved.
• Lead resolution of complex and escalated supplier quality issues using root cause analysis, corrective actions, 8D problem solving, Lean methodology, and statistical tools.
• Support sourcing and supplier development activities through supplier assessments, design reviews, PPAP execution, audits, and identification of critical component characteristics.
• Drive improvements to supplier quality systems and performance while identifying gaps, reducing risk, and advancing the Generac Quality Management System (GQMS).
• Monitor supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and scorecards to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and communicate performance to leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop a regional Supplier Quality team, establishing priorities and providing mentorship to achieve quality, cost, and project objectives.
• Manage supplier quality concerns involving purchased components, including containment, corrective action, supplier recovery, and long-term quality improvement plans.
• Coordinate supplier quality initiatives across multiple business groups and regions while managing key timelines, priorities, and milestones.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Certification / License

Work Experience

• 7 years’ experience working in Quality Assurance in a plant or supplier quality role
• 5 years’ experience working with an OEM company
• 3 years’ experience working with PPAP procedures, APQP (Control Plan & PFMEA), PPAP and ISO
• 3 years’ people management experience Foreign Language required based on region Experience in working with designated commodity Experience with the NPI process

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the application and interpretation of manufacturing/quality metrics
• Demonstrated knowledge in the implementation of lean principles and improvements Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work with teams to drive improvements Demonstrated ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP business systems
• Good presentation skills at all levels Use of advanced problem-solving skills to resolve difficult issues
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and problem solve in a fast-paced environment All KSAs at senior level should reflect an advanced level of knowledge, skill and/or ability

Preferred Job Requirements

• Master’s degree

Certification / License

• Certified Quality Engineer Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Quality Auditor
• Work Experience
• Experience in a SQE role with an OEM company
• Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations
• Product and process auditing experience
• Previous experience using SAP or equivalent ERP
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and statistical analysis software
• Teaching, training, coaching, or mentoring experience

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus.