Supplier Quality Engineering Manager - Supplier Development

Penumbra, Inc.; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays

Vacation accrual

Job summary

Penumbra, Inc. is establishing a dedicated Supplier Development capability within Supplier Quality Engineering to advance strategic supply chain initiatives, strengthen supplier capability, and support long-term continuity and resiliency.

The successful candidate will lead a growing team while partnering with Strategic Procurement on cross-functional programs to shape an emerging organization with visibility and long-term business impact.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in supplier quality engineering, supplier development, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, or operations engineering.
• Experience leading supplier qualification, development, process improvement, or capability development initiatives.
• Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.
• Strong problem solving and project leadership with broad cross-functional impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, and long-term readiness.
• Develop supplier improvement roadmaps aligned with Strategic Procurement priorities.
• Own supplier improvement activities including Kaizens, process optimization, and cost reduction.
• Perform supplier capability assessments and technical evaluations.
• Support make-versus-buy analyses and supplier expansion efforts.
• Lead and develop a growing Supplier Development Engineering team; mentor and prioritize work.
• Establish operating models and best practices; partner with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality.

Skills

Supplier Quality Eng

Supplier Development

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical problem solving

Project leadership

Cross-functional impact

Procurement partnerships

Manufacturing Engineering

Quality Engineering

Education

BS or MS degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

General Summary

We are establishing a dedicated Supplier Development capability within Supplier Quality Engineering focused on strategic supply chain initiatives and projects, strengthening supplier capability, and supporting long-term supply continuity and resiliency. The successful candidate will lead a growing team while in partnership with Strategic Procurement on supplier development efforts and cross‑functional programs. This is an opportunity to help shape and grow an emerging organization with visibility, cross‑functional influence, and long‑term impact to the overall business.

Primary Responsibilities

Supplier Development & Capability Building

• Lead supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, robustness, and long‑term supplier readiness
• Develop supplier improvement roadmaps and long‑term development plans aligned with Strategic Procurement strategies and Technical Engineering priorities
• Own supplier improvement activities including Kaizens, process optimization efforts, and cost reduction initiatives
• Perform supplier capability assessments and technical evaluations
• Support and execute on make versus buy analysis

Supplier Enablement

• Partner with Strategic Procurement to support:
  • Category strategy and diversification efforts
  • New supplier identification, qualification, and development initiatives
  • Supply risk reduction initiatives and inspection programs
  • Evaluation of outsource programs
• Support complex supplier programs including large qualifications, supplier expansion activities, and supplier capability growth efforts
• Lead supplier stabilization and monitoring activities for new suppliers, outsourced processes, or developing supply chains

Supply Risk Reduction

• Support supplier segmentation and risk stratification activities associated with capability, capacity, scalability, and other business continuity factors
• Participate in subtier supplier assessments and mitigation efforts, as appropriate
• Contribute technical inputs supporting long‑term supply continuity initiatives

Organization Leadership

• Lead and develop a growing Supplier Development Engineering team
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and prioritization support
• Help establish operating models, engagement processes, and best practices for the Supplier Development organization
• Partner across Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality functions

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical functions
• Experience leading supplier qualification, supplier development, process improvement, or capability development initiatives
• Demonstrated experience partnering with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations
• Strong technical problem solving and project leadership skills
• Experience leading initiatives with broad cross‑functional impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with supplier diversification efforts, second sourcing programs, or supplier transfer initiatives
• Experience leading supplier Kaizens and continuous improvement activities
• Experience supporting supplier capability growth, scalability, and risk reduction initiatives
• Experience with global suppliers and complex supply chains
• Experience managing teams or mentoring technical talent
• Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience preferred

Location and Salary

• Alameda, CA
• Annual Base Salary: $138,000 to $203,000

What We Offer

• A collaborative teamwork environment where learning is constant, and performance is rewarded.
• The opportunity to be part of the team that is revolutionizing the treatment of some of the world's most devastating diseases.
• A generous benefits package for eligible employees that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short and long‑term disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid parental leave, eleven paid company holidays per year, a minimum of fifteen days of accrued vacation per year, which increases with tenure, and paid sick time in compliance with applicable law(s).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you reside in the State of California, please also refer to Penumbra's Privacy Notice for California Residents.

For additional information on Penumbra's commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, please see Penumbra's AAP Policy Statement.