Strategic Supplier Development Leader

About Us

As a family-owned company, it’s the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand.  Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service.

Company Benefits Include:

• Multiple bonus opportunities with potential annual merit increases
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and family members
• Company Paid Short & Long-Term Disability
• Company provided Life Insurance
• Fully vested after 5 years Pension Plan
• 401k Plan with employer match
• Vacation, & Sick time with 11 paid holidays

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Partners with suppliers’ leaders and internal team members to improve supplier capability
• Develops on-boarding processes for new supplier and systematic tools to identify ‘at risk’ suppliers for selection development projects
• Leads / coaches cross-functional teams on selected development projects and mentors PPQ team members to develop a culture of quality, delivery and overall cost reduction
• Performs assessments of new supplier’s capability to meet STIHL’s requirements and maintain sustainable performance including review of capacities
• Promotes strategic approaches in supplier selection and problem solving
• Works with suppliers to develop action plans to close gaps between current and expected performance
• Conducts in-house and on-site training and coaching with suppliers and internal team members
• Develops key processes outlining the purpose and direction of Supplier Development
• Establishes key performance indicators for development projects and new supplier launches
• Coach and Mentor team members to develop a strong culture of quality. Coordinates the supplier release planning activities with the SQE and Purchasing team
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Specifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering or combination of education and experience preferred.  Licenses or certifications preferred for this position:  ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, or CQA
• Experience with purchasing activities leading cross-functional teams, and various production process used by component manufacturers.
• Experience auditing and assessing production, corporate social responsibility, environmental, and quality capabilities according to international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/TS16959, VDA, and ISO 14001.
• Performs work under minimal supervision. Handles complex issues and problems, and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical Project Management skills. Ability to diagnose root causes and influence sustainable actions.
• In depth knowledge of the various production process used by component manufacturers
• Work Experience:  7+ years
• Travel Requirements:  50% to 75%