Supplier Development & Performance Manager

Our client, a Building Technology and Software Services company, is looking for a Supplier Development & Performance Manager for their Milwaukee, WI/Hybrid location.

• The Supplier Development & Performance Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end supplier performance improvement across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability.
• The role drives operational excellence through Lean manufacturing, structured problem-solving, and advanced supplier development strategies while supporting new product launches, supplier readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.
• Lead supplier performance management across quality, delivery, capacity, scalability, and sustainability including KPI tracking and reviews.
• Develop and execute supplier quality and delivery improvement plans to reduce SPPM and ensure on-time delivery.
• Perform supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement and supplier training using Six Sigma and Lean methods, including Kaizen initiatives (e.g., VSM, TPM, takt optimization, changeover reduction, standard work, etc).
• Lead structured problem solving (8D and root cause analysis) and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier readiness for new product launches, including APQP, PPAP, and process validation.
• Validate supplier capacity, scalability, and technical capability.
• Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments across quality, processes, and capacity.
• Manage supplier-related programs management for NPI, ramp-ups, and recovery initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, engineering, operations, and quality.
• Establish governance, define KPIs, and drive supplier performance standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain.
• 10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, plant quality, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Program & Project Management, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity analysis, quality systems.
• Proven experience in supplier performance improvement and recovery initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven experience with new product integration, outsourcing, and greenfield operations preferred.
• High level of resilience, accountability, and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively in matrix and cross-cultural environments
• Proven ability to coach and develop supplier capabilities.
• The person must have a minimum of 10 years experience planning, monitoring, and optimizing capacity (people, systems, infrastructure, or production capability) to align with current and future demand.
• They must have also started on a production floor and worked their way up through the ranks.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering.
• The person must have "lived" capacity optimization and not just talk about it.

• Health Benefits
• Referral Program
• Excellent growth and advancement opportunities