Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Conduct comprehensive assessments of potential new suppliers. Evaluate supplier capabilities, supplier quality systems, and supplier processes. Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to select suppliers that meet our standards. Lead the development of Supplier Onboarding Management Plans, including, but not limited to, initial supplier assessment, receiving inspection planning, inspection tools/equipment planning, and administering supplier PPAP. New Product Development: Apply knowledge of customer requirements while supporting product groups and manufacturing plants for customer/supplier quality-related activities. Participate in product development project activities. Communicate special characteristics and capability expectations to suppliers early in the product development process to ensure their ability to provide a conforming product. Review new design specifications and provide input from component quality and manufacturability perspective. Promote best practices for properly testing software and product designs. Supplier Performance: Maintain and support the supplier performance management system through supplier reporting, supplier performance analysis, supplier corrective actions (SCAR), and surveillance audits. Support activities associated with Supplier Collaboration Management including new product development, supplier selection, supplier development, and when necessary, supplier de-qualification for poor performance. When appropriate, conduct on-site supplier quality assessments to ISO 9001 requirements to identify and prioritize areas for improvement. Identify and require corrective actions resulting from supplier on-site quality assessments and significant defect discoveries.  Follow-up on SCAR implementation and effectiveness verification. Supplier Development (Continuous Improvement): Develop and implement Supplier Quality Improvement Plans (SQIP) based on trends and findings associated with the supplier performance management system. Develop and perform training (internal and external) on the requirements of the A.O. Smith Supplier Quality System and support any supplier-related training necessary for A.O. Smith associates. Plan and review Process Capability Studies, Measurement System Analysis and Design of Experiments. Provide training and guidance to suppliers on quality standards, quality tools, problem solving and best practices. Issue Resolution: Work directly with suppliers to initiate, implement, and verify practical corrective actions for Non-Conforming Report issues. Support containment actions as necessary to minimize company exposure to supplier-related defects. Provide oversight for field failures related to supplier materials. Develop corrective action plans where necessary. Other: Work with plant resources to implement the responsibilities noted above, when appropriate. Participate in the planning and executing of strategic supplier quality-related plans, policies, and procedures. Generate and maintain incoming inspection procedures. Train inspectors to these procedures. Manage the development of fixtures and test equipment for incoming quality control (IQC) and functional trouble shooting. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by their manager or supervisor. Qualifications BASIC QUALIFICATIONS : Bachelor of Science - Technical or Business-related discipline preferred. Minimum 3 years manufacturing experience in Quality / Supplier Quality. ASQ – CQE / CSQP / CQA / CRE/ CSQE preferred. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS : Ability to utilize Six Sigma tools to resolve product/process issues. Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical and non-technical documents including but not limited to contracts, product drawings, and product specifications. Utilize interpersonal skills to communicate professionally at all levels within the operational customer/supplier environment. Must be proficient in DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, PPAP, AQP and problem solving. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, SAP, Quality Management Software and Minitab. We Offer Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Conduct comprehensive assessments of potential new suppliers. Evaluate supplier capabilities, supplier quality systems, and supplier processes. Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to select suppliers that meet our standards. Lead the development of Supplier Onboarding Management Plans, including, but not limited to, initial supplier assessment, receiving inspection planning, inspection tools/equipment planning, and administering supplier PPAP. New Product Development: Apply knowledge of customer requirements while supporting product groups and manufacturing plants for customer/supplier quality-related activities. Participate in product development project activities. Communicate special characteristics and capability expectations to suppliers early in the product development process to ensure their ability to provide a conforming product. Review new design specifications and provide input from component quality and manufacturability perspective. Promote best practices for properly testing software and product designs. Supplier Performance: Maintain and support the supplier performance management system through supplier reporting, supplier performance analysis, supplier corrective actions (SCAR), and surveillance audits. Support activities associated with Supplier Collaboration Management including new product development, supplier selection, supplier development, and when necessary, supplier de-qualification for poor performance. When appropriate, conduct on-site supplier quality assessments to ISO 9001 requirements to identify and prioritize areas for improvement. Identify and require corrective actions resulting from supplier on-site quality assessments and significant defect discoveries.  Follow-up on SCAR implementation and effectiveness verification. Supplier Development (Continuous Improvement): Develop and implement Supplier Quality Improvement Plans (SQIP) based on trends and findings associated with the supplier performance management system. Develop and perform training (internal and external) on the requirements of the A.O. Smith Supplier Quality System and support any supplier-related training necessary for A.O. Smith associates. Plan and review Process Capability Studies, Measurement System Analysis and Design of Experiments. Provide training and guidance to suppliers on quality standards, quality tools, problem solving and best practices. BASIC   QUALIFICATIONS : Bachelor of Science - Technical or Business-related discipline preferred. Minimum 3 years manufacturing experience in Quality / Supplier Quality. ASQ – CQE / CSQP / CQA / CRE/ CSQE preferred. ADDITIONAL   QUALIFICATIONS : Ability to utilize Six Sigma tools to resolve product/process issues. Ability to read, interpret, and understand technical and non-technical documents including but not limited to contracts, product drawings, and product specifications. Utilize interpersonal skills to communicate professionally at all levels within the operational customer/supplier environment. Must be proficient in DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, PPAP, AQP and problem solving. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, SAP, Quality Management Software and Minitab.