Supplier Quality Category/Pillar Lead – Specialized Technology

Supplier Quality Category/Pillar Lead – Specialized Technology

The Supplier Quality Category/Pillar Lead – Specialized Technology, who will report to the AVP, Supplier Quality, will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing suppliers within the Specialized Technology supplier category/pillar, supporting all Agilent businesses and sites, to improve product and process quality and delivery within that category.

• This role is Supplier facing and manages the strategy and execution of everything related to Supplier Quality, at the suppliers within that category/pillar.
• Initially will be an individual contributor role, with potential future team growth, responsible for ISO13485/9001, Lean-6 Sigma, and Quality science tool deployment and continuous improvement at those category suppliers, that will have substantial impact on the KPIs, business results, and on delivering operational excellence to customers.
• This role will closely partner with the core teams of the Supplier Quality function (Business/Site teams and Operations lead) and the Procurement Pillar team, to ensure their category/pillar supply base is assessed, qualified, and consistently delivering a quality product.
• This individual must be a self-starting leader who can effectively partner with multiple functional organizations internally (Agilent) and externally (Supply Base) for success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, lead, and enhance a global supplier quality strategy in partnership with Procurement and NPI partners, across the Specialized Technology Category/Pillar, and aligned to business area short and long-term objectives
• Total ownership of the category/pillar supply base quality through product life cycle, from initial sourcing to development, launch, and ongoing business management
• Work to define and implement initiatives that includes capability, performance, quality, cost, and delivery improvements to our internal and external customers, using ISO13485/9001, Lean-6Sigma, and Quality science tools
• Evaluate, qualify, create development plans, and manage the status for the category/pillar suppliers in the maintenance of the ASL
• Drive rapid Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations to prevent defects and communicate to internal partners
• Monitor, report on, and improve on key category supplier KPIs, understanding root cause(s) of changes in metrics, identify trends and associated action plans
• Drive APQP and Quality Science tool deployment in key suppliers of the defined category supply base to mitigate risk
• Partner with Procurement to create a One-Voice Agilent message to the supply base and internal partners
• In collaboration with the Business Supplier Quality lead, drive the SCAR, Audit, supplier change management, quality agreements, risk management, qualification and FAI processes
• Responsible for engaging key category supplier management in a business review process to monitor metrics, identify trends and implement programs to assure demonstrated performance improvements
• As the function matures and potentially grows, manages and develops a high performing and diverse team of Supplier Quality Engineers within their category/pillar, prioritized by global regions (eventually)
• Own and manage the Supplier Quality budget for your team, if the team grows
• Enhance category/pillar supplier and organization quality culture through coaching and technical engagement

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality or Manufacturing preferred
• 5+ years’ direct experience, or related experience in Supplier Quality, preferably within the category/pillar defined; prefer experience managing teams
• Experience with ISO 9001/13485 Quality Systems; APQP is a desire; Lean and 6Sigma certifications a plus
• Experience with, and an understanding of, sourcing and execution in regulated, demanding industries such as Medical Device, Automotive, Aerospace/Defense, or other challenging markets

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and in diverse and different settings
• Self-starter; identifies challenges/problems and takes the initiative to identify solutions
• Must demonstrate high degree of compliance, flexibility and efficiency in building systems and trust with suppliers and customers including regulatory agencies
• Motivates team members, fosters and nurtures teamwork
• Can diffuse high-tension situations calmly and effectively
• Must be able to travel globally and work with all cultures