Supplier Quality Engineer - Uitenhage at Dana Incorporated

General Job Description:

This position is based Uitenhage South Africa. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, this position will be responsible to ensuring that current and future suppliers meet our stated requirements, including our Supplier System Assessments (SSA), Special Process Module assessments (SPM), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).  

Role & Responsibilities:

• Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Assess potential suppliers based on various criteria such as quality management systems, manufacturing capabilities, past performance, and compliance with industry standards.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and communicate quality standards, specifications, and inspection criteria for components and materials. Conduct regular audits and inspections of supplier facilities to ensure compliance.
• Supplier Development: Work closely with suppliers to improve their quality management systems, processes, and performance. Provide guidance and support to help suppliers implement corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Root Cause Analysis: Respond to Customer and Internal Quality Issues from Containment through to Corrective action with follow up and report out through G8D to prevent recurring concerns. Investigate quality issues, non-conformities, and product failures to identify root causes. Utilize problem-solving tools and methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, etc., to drive corrective and preventive actions. Immediate implementation of containment actions at the customer from the line-side point-of-fit back to verified safe stock on site at DANA SASA and at supplier, in the event of supplier quality concerns and maintain feedback through regular detailed G8D updates.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement in supplier quality, cost, and delivery performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and optimize supply chain processes.
• Program Management: Verify all APQP elements are optimised and meet the program requirements (FMEA, Process Flow, Control Plan, Run @ Rate, SPC etc…). Execute Process, Capability, Heat Treat, and Quality audits at the supplier as part of the development process. Communicate supplier issues with Engineering and Program Management on a timely basis. Successful transition of project to plant quality after flawless launch. Ensure successful change management.
• Quality Control: Develop and implement robust quality control plans for incoming materials, including inspection methods, sampling plans, and testing protocols. Monitor supplier performance metrics and take corrective actions as needed.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with supplier quality, capacity, and geographical location. Develop contingency plans to minimize the impact of supplier disruptions on production.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of supplier quality activities, including audit reports, inspection findings, corrective action plans, and performance metrics. Prepare regular reports and presentations for management review. Analyse SPFS data and use DANA Supplier Management Tools and Processes.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers through effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation. Work together with suppliers as partners to achieve mutual goals and objectives.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to suppliers on quality management principles, tools, and techniques. Share knowledge and expertise to help suppliers improve their capabilities and performance over time.
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or similar in Engineering or a related field
• Current experience in Quality Engineering - Supplier Quality & Development >3 years of experience
• Trained in Quality Systems including ISO9001, and IATF 16949, VDA 6.3
• Experience in conducting supplier audits and maintaining supplier scorecards.
• Ability to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in supplier performance and product quality.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
• Expertise in Microsoft Office with proficiency in Excel and Powerpoint specifically
• Fluent in English
• Current (SQD) experience in the automotive or manufacturing industry is required.
• Strong knowledge of G8D, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plans
• Effective SPC Guidance, control and management at Suppliers and DANA Plants
• Additional: experience related to Toolmaking would be advantageous

Core Competencies:

Strategy - Ability to think and act in a strategic way

• Can lead & act consistent with the company’s strategy and values
• Able to demonstrate strategic problem solving, good decision making and sound judgment based upon data
• Demonstrates sound business and technical acumen
• Shows a high degree of intellectual rigor during problem solving

Talent – Ability to build and develop talent

• Demonstrates ability to develop self and others
• Shows evidence of continuous learning
• Demonstrates performance leadership

Approach – Ability to demonstrate an effective approach to engagement and problem solving

• Actively present on the shopfloor promoting / educating / communicating regarding critical warranty impact on business
• Energised, enthusiastic and positive approach to every day
• Able to build trust and engage others
• Can build or contribute to an inclusive team environment
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal communications
• Exhibits a strong professional presence
• Results – Ability to achieve planned results
• Demonstrates a strong customer focus through planning, actions and communication
• Acts with initiative and urgency
• Shows the ability to be a change leader with adaptability and continuous improvement
• Ability to hold oneself and other accountable for results
• Demonstrates the ability to leverage all available resources to achieve results