Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Launch Coordinator to support successful product launches by coordinating supplier quality readiness throughout the product development lifecycle. The role is responsible for monitoring supplier manufacturing preparedness, ensuring compliance with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) milestones, tracking Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) readiness, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration among engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and quality teams.

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in supplier quality management, industrialization processes, project coordination, and risk management within the automotive industry.

Responsibilities

Supplier Readiness & Program Planning

• Coordinate supplier quality activities from project kick-off through Start of Production (SOP).
• Support supplier manufacturing readiness during early program phases aligned with sourcing strategies.
• Participate in supplier capability and manufacturability assessments during supplier selection.
• Ensure application of lessons learned and best practices across new programs.
• Coordinate regular reviews with supplier quality teams to monitor supplier development progress.

APQP & PPAP Management

• Track APQP deliverables and supplier quality milestones throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor PPAP readiness and ensure timely completion before production milestones.
• Follow supplier process maturity and part readiness status.
• Coordinate implementation of corrective actions for delayed or at-risk deliverables.
• Support safe launch planning and execution during industrialization.

Supplier Manufacturing & Capacity Readiness

• Monitor supplier manufacturing process readiness and industrialization progress.
• Track supplier production capacity assessments in collaboration with purchasing and manufacturing teams.
• Review manufacturing readiness, production capability, and capacity risks.
• Coordinate mitigation plans for supplier readiness gaps impacting project timelines.

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

• Identify supplier quality risks related to timing, capacity, manufacturing processes, and product maturity.
• Maintain supplier quality issue trackers throughout program execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional problem-solving activities involving Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality teams.
• Ensure recovery plans are established and monitored for all critical supplier issues.
• Escalate high-risk concerns to project leadership when required.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Facilitate communication between supplier quality, engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, and project management teams.
• Participate in regular program review meetings to provide supplier quality status updates.
• Prepare reports and dashboards covering supplier readiness, APQP progress, PPAP status, manufacturing maturity, and critical risks.
• Coordinate supplier review meetings and internal quality governance reviews.

Launch & SOP Support

• Ensure all production parts achieve required approval status prior to SOP.
• Coordinate interim approval processes for parts pending final approval.
• Monitor closure of open supplier quality issues after SOP until full production approval is achieved.
• Support successful production launch while minimizing supplier-related quality risks.

Qualifications

B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech in Automotive/Mechanical/Production Engg.

Essential skills

• 8–12 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Quality, or Program Quality within the automotive industry.
• Experience supporting new product development and production launches.
• Exposure to supplier audits, manufacturing process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Experience coordinating with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality functions.
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949, AIAG Core Tools, and OEM supplier quality requirements is preferred.

Desired skills

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
• Good understanding of PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
• Experience with Supplier Quality Management processes.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing and industrialization processes.
• Understanding of supplier process capability and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Experience in production capacity evaluation and supplier capability assessment.
• Knowledge of quality tools and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA).
• Familiarity with project management principles and product development lifecycle.

Experience

8 to 12 years