Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Collabera; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Collabera in Milwaukee is seeking a Supplier Development & Performance Manager to lead end-to-end supplier performance improvements across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability and sustainability. You will drive operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, and advanced supplier development strategies to support new product launches and supplier readiness.

Responsibilities include leading KPI tracking, risk assessments, and corrective actions (8D, root cause

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain.
• 10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, plant quality, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier performance management across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability including KPI tracking and reviews.
• Develop and execute supplier quality and delivery improvement plans to reduce SPPM and ensure on-time delivery.
• Perform supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and supplier training using Six Sigma and Lean methods, including Kaizen initiatives (e.g., VSM, TPM, takt optimization, changeover reduction, standard work, etc).
• Lead structured problem solving (8D and root cause analysis) and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier readiness for new product launches, including APQP, PPAP, and process validation.
• Validate supplier capacity, scalability, and technical capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments across quality, processes, and capacity.
• Manage supplier-related programs management for NPI, ramp-ups, and recovery initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, operations, and quality.
• Establish governance, define KPIs, and drive supplier performance standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

APQP

PPAP

Kaizen

8D

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Supply Chain

Job description

• The Supplier Development & Performance Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end supplier performance improvement across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability.
• The role drives operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, structured problem-solving, and advanced supplier development strategies while supporting new product launches, supplier readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier performance management across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability including KPI tracking and reviews.
• Develop and execute supplier quality and delivery improvement plans to reduce SPPM and ensure on-time delivery.
• Perform supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and supplier training using Six Sigma and Lean methods, including Kaizen initiatives (e.g., VSM, TPM, takt optimization, changeover reduction, standard work, etc).
• Lead structured problem solving (8D and root cause analysis) and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier readiness for new product launches, including APQP, PPAP, and process validation.
• Validate supplier capacity, scalability, and technical capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments across quality, processes, and capacity.
• Manage supplier-related programs management for NPI, ramp-ups, and recovery initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, operations, and quality.
• Establish governance, define KPIs, and drive supplier performance standards.

Requirements of the Position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain.
• 10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, plant quality, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Program & Project Management, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity analysis, quality systems.
• Proven experience in supplier performance improvement and recovery initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven experience with new product integration, outsourcing, and greenfield operations preferred.
• High level of resilience, accountability, and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively in matrix and cross-cultural environments
• Proven ability to coach and develop supplier capabilities.
• Ability to travel 50%+ (Domestic and Overseas) and engage with supplier operations.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, (paid time , paid sick and safe time , hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, paid holidays annually - AS Applicable)