Supplier Quality Manager

Position Purpose

Acting on own initiativeinitiative, and working with a small team of Quality Engineers, the Supplier Quality Manager will develop and implement long-term supplier quality strategy. This position will build and lead new processes to ensure we have an effective supplier quality management system in place. The Supplier Quality Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with multiple departments within Delicato Family Wines to document standards and measure supplier performance. This position directly manages supplier’s performance by understanding their quality processes, building effective relationships, communicating performance expectations, and driving complete issue resolution and continuous improvement.

Functional Responsibility

• Manages and monitors day-to-day operations and team performance to ensure smooth workflows and that company standards are met
• Manages company culture and holds self, peers, and direct reports accountable for demonstrating a constructive company culture through influential, personal behavior and actions; encourages strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Develops and aligns individual goals with the department's operational goals; ensures that decisions, actions, and priorities are aligned with the company's vision, mission, and strategies 
• Researches best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
• Assists in preparing the departmental budget, monitors spending, and directs team in cost-effective operations to ensure adherence to financial objectives
• Monitors performance and regularly communicates with direct reports to achieve mutual understanding and desired results
• Partners with immediate manager to determine staffing needs;  attracts, motivates, and retains a workforce with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve goals and objectives
• Provides employees with a safe, healthy, and rewarding work environment; ensures delivery and completion of monthly safety topics
• Communicates and supports change initiatives and decisions in an effective manner to successfully guide team through change
• Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
• Addresses employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner; notifies HR Business Partner and keeps immediate manager informed as appropriate
• Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions
• Coaches, guides, and develops direct reports; fully engages in the GPS (Performance Management) process; provides high-quality feedback, and ensures proper GPS documentation of employee performance, recognition, and deficiencies

Essential Duties

• Leads a small team of Quality Engineers who manage direct material quality incidents; includes containment and/or purging of non-conforming materials, setup of incoming inspection plans, and training QC Team to perform incoming inspections
• Develops and maintains positive and productive supplier relationships through effective communication
• Develops and oversees a supplier quality risk assessment program, including site visits and quality system audits
• Sets minimum quality system requirements for each material category and assesses current and potential new suppliers for compliance
• Leads supplier continuous improvement projects, as necessary
• Issues Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) for nonconforming supplied material
• Actively engages in assertive and transparent conversations to address issues with suppliers promptly; ensures the supplier follows through on root cause investigation and corrective action
• Validates supplier corrective action implementation and effectiveness
• Supports selection and approval of new suppliers
• Collaborates cross functionally with multiple departments within Delicato Family Wines to develop and implement systems to monitor and report supplier performance, utilizing data including DPPM, lots on hold, lots rejected, consumer or distributor quality issues, etc.
• Collaborates with Delicato’s QC Manager to develop targeted incoming material inspection for ongoing supplier issues
• Collaborates with Delicato’s Packaging Engineer to evaluate and approve new materials and material changes

*Other duties may be assigned

Non-Essential Duties

*Other duties may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in quality management, supply chain, engineering, or business
• 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing quality role
• 5+ years experience building and leading quality systems
• 3+ years leadership or management experience
• Experience working with SAP

Certificates and Licenses

• Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) through ASQ, or similar, preferred
• Acceptable driving history with valid Driver’s License
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to travel to suppliers regularly (Estimated up to 50% travel) 
• Ability to work with a variety of cross-functional teams
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills 
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills
• Strong problem solving, planning and decision making skills

Working Conditions

• General office environment with frequent travel (50% of time)
• Required to drive automotive vehicle or equipment
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
   

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.