Job Description

Sensata Technologies in Plovdiv is looking for a Supplier Quality Manager, who will lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers and will be responsible for ensuring that supplied components meet quality standards across both serial production and new product development (NPD). The role combines people leadership, supplier performance management, and problem-solving, with strong focus on on-time product launches, supplier development, and continuous improvement.

General Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 4 Supplier Quality Engineers (2 Senior and 2 Junior), ensuring effective prioritization between new product development (NPD) and serial production, and providing clear guidance based on team focus areas (Senior SQEs – NPD and complex supplier issues; Junior SQEs – mass production and daily supplier management)
• Drive supplier quality performance across electronics, electrical, and metal commodities through KPI monitoring, ensuring accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement in both development and high-volume manufacturing environments (automotive, commercial, and industrial)
• Lead resolution of supplier-related quality issues, including complex and high-impact cases, ensuring structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, 5 Why) and sustainable corrective actions, with strong ownership and follow-through.
• Oversee and support day-to-day supplier quality activities in mass production, including escalation handling and change management at suppliers, ensuring controlled implementation of changes impacting production
• Coordinate and communicate action plans across internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring alignment in a matrix organization and timely execution of cross-functional initiatives
• Plan and execute supplier audits and visits, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and Lean manufacturing principles, and supporting supplier readiness for both NPD and serial production requirements
• Develop and drive supplier improvement plans, engaging supplier leadership, particularly for strategic suppliers and performance-critical cases, and ensuring long-term capability development

• Lead and support complex supplier topics within electronics/electrical and metal commodities, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Procurement
• Ensure strong Supplier Quality involvement in new product development (NPD), including supplier selection, qualification, and industrialization readiness
• Drive on-time launch of new products at suppliers, with strong focus on electrification projects, managing frequent and dynamic changes in product and process requirements throughout the development lifecycle
• Collaborate closely with Procurement to align on supplier strategy, sourcing decisions, and performance management, with a strong reporting connection to the global Procurement organization
• Support customer audits, certification bodies, and specific customer requirements, ensuring Supplier Quality readiness and effective handling of supplier-related escalations

Experience / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, or Operations
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D, 5 Why)
• Auditing experience (IATF 16949, VDA 6.3)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution. Results-driven, persistent, and solution-oriented problem solver. Must be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing principles
• Proven leadership experience, preferably in a matrix organization
• Experience in both serial production and new product development (NPD)
• English Proficiency

SmarterTogether

• Collaborating at Sensata means working with some of the world’s most talented people in an enriching environment that is constantly pushing towards the next best thing

• Employees work across functions, countries and cultures gaining new perspectives through mutual respect and open communication

• As OneSensata, we are working together to make things work together

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