Strategic Supplier Development Engineer — Quality & Growth

Sportech; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sportech is a growing Elk River, MN company that designs, manufactures, and assembles cab components for powersports, golf, turf, industrial and agricultural markets. We seek a Supplier Development professional to improve supplier performance, support PPAP, audits, and continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.

The role includes developing supplier capabilities, leading cost reduction programs, and traveling up to 35% to supplier locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Supplier Development or related discipline.
• Strong manufacturing, process, quality systems and root cause analysis experience.
• Injection molding experience highly desired; metal fabrication, painting, electronics, and plastic extrusion knowledge appreciated.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma including: VSM, SPC, FMEA, 5S, 5 Whys, etc.
• Experience in supplier audits and selection.
• Knowledge of AIAG quality tools (APQP: PPAP, SPC, MSA).
• Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T and coaching suppliers.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and ERP systems.
• Travel up to 35%.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for supplier development and onboarding of the supply base.
• Serve as the QA resource to suppliers for problem identification, resolution, and continual improvement.
• Communicate significant issues from QA activities to suppliers and ensure timely resolution.
• Lead corrective action activities with all suppliers.
• Support supplier inspection and testing to ensure adherence to standards.
• Monitor supplier metrics (scrap dollars, credit recovery, OTD, responsiveness).
• Oversee supplier approval process including assessments and audits.
• Provide input for acceptance criteria and future purchases from suppliers.
• Maintain trip reports, action lists, and improvement plans.
• Lead kaizen and cost-reduction projects with the supply base.

Skills

Supplier development

Quality systems

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Epicor ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sportech is a growing Elk River, MN company that designs, manufactures, and assembles cab components for powersports, golf, turf, industrial and agricultural markets. We seek a Supplier Development professional to improve supplier performance, support PPAP, audits, and continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.

The role includes developing supplier capabilities, leading cost reduction programs, and traveling up to 35% to supplier locations.