Supplier Development Specialist

Columbia Search Partners, Inc.; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Search Partners, Inc. is partnering with a global industrial manufacturing organization to recruit an experienced Supplier Development Specialist for its Tulsa, Oklahoma manufacturing operations.

In this hands-on, supplier-facing role you will evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers to improve capabilities, reliability, and performance; lead CAPA and root-cause analyses; and support APQP/PPAP activities while driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in supplier development or supplier quality engineering.
• Background in manufacturing quality practices and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Supplier development: evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers to improve capabilities and performance.
• Supplier quality management: partner with suppliers to improve product quality and compliance.
• Supplier performance management: monitor KPIs, on-time delivery, and quality performance.
• Supplier auditing: conduct onsite audits and capability evaluations.
• CAPA: lead supplier corrective actions and resolve recurring issues.
• Root cause analysis: apply 8D, 5 Whys, and fishbone analysis.
• APQP/PPAP: support quality planning and documentation when applicable.
• Continuous improvement: apply Lean, Six Sigma, and related methods.
• Cross-functional collaboration: work with Procurement, Sourcing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations.

Skills

Supplier development experience

Quality engineering

Manufacturing quality

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

We are partnering with a global industrial manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Supplier Development Specialist to strengthen supplier performance, improve quality, and support continued growth at its manufacturing operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This is a hands-on, supplier-facing position with responsibility for improving supplier capabilities, resolving performance issues, and developing stronger relationships with regional manufacturing partners.

The organization has a substantial supplier network throughout the greater Tulsa area, making local supplier engagement an important part of the position.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Development: Evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers to improve manufacturing capabilities, reliability, and performance.
• Supplier Quality Management: Partner with suppliers to improve product quality, reduce defects, and ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications.
• Supplier Performance Management: Monitor supplier scorecards, KPIs, on-time delivery, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supplier Auditing: Conduct onsite supplier audits, manufacturing process assessments, and capability evaluations.
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA): Lead supplier corrective action initiatives and work directly with suppliers to resolve recurring quality and delivery issues.
• Root Cause Analysis: Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, 5 Whys, and fishbone analysis, to identify and eliminate supplier performance problems.
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP): Support supplier quality planning, readiness assessments, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Participate in supplier qualification and production readiness activities, including PPAP documentation and validation when applicable.
• Continuous Improvement: Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen supplier capabilities and processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Procurement, Sourcing, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to address supplier-related challenges.

Ideal Background

• Experience in supplier development, supplier quality engineering, supplier management, or manufacturing quality.
• Background working with suppliers in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success improving supplier quality, delivery performance, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience conducting supplier audits, assessments, and onsite supplier improvement activities.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, corrective action processes, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar manufacturing quality practices is beneficial.
• Strong analytical, communication, relationship management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional manufacturing and supply chain teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel to regional supplier facilities as business needs require.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join an established global manufacturing organization experiencing significant business growth.
• Work directly with a substantial regional supplier network where your contributions can have an immediate impact.
• Gain exposure to manufacturing operations, supplier improvement initiatives, and cross-functional supply chain leadership.
• Take on a highly visible role with meaningful responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.
• Help strengthen a supplier network supporting increasingly complex industrial manufacturing programs.

Location

The position supports manufacturing operations in Catoosa and requires regular engagement with suppliers throughout the surrounding region.

Candidates located in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Claremore, Catoosa, and surrounding communities are encouraged to apply.