Supply Chain Relationship Manager

Hutchinson Agency - Trenton, NJ

Full-time - Mid Level

Trenton, NJ

10,001+ employees

Truck Transportation

About the position

The Supply Chain Relationship Manager position at Hutchinson involves managing the performance of US-based suppliers, focusing on on-time delivery and product quality in accordance with contractual agreements. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that suppliers meet existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and drive necessary changes in their operational and quality management processes. This position is critical in interfacing with various functions within Hutchinson to maintain high standards of supplier performance. In this role, you will utilize your expertise in production and quality management, along with strong analytical skills and a professional network, to enhance supplier performance. You will be responsible for executing delivery and quality agreements, conducting on-site assessments, and supporting suppliers in resolving issues or crises. Active supplier development is a key aspect of the job, where you will define and implement improvement plans aimed at increasing supplier capacities and capabilities. Additionally, you will validate and accept product quality for volume operations, manage supplier-related issue resolutions, and ensure that the Supplier Quality Roadmap aligns with Hutchinson's quality performance standards. The role also involves leading quality escalations and organizing cross-sector teams to address production quality disturbances. You will be expected to maintain effective communication and develop long-term relationships with suppliers, particularly with the Aerospace Defense Industry Purchasing team in Levallois, France. This position requires a strong commitment to following environmental, health, and safety rules, and you will be expected to report any dangerous situations or near-misses immediately. The job is based in Trenton, NJ, with remote work options available, and it involves a significant amount of travel, estimated at 50-65%.

Responsibilities

• Manage US-based suppliers' performance on on-time delivery and product quality according to specifications and contractual agreements.
• Drive changes in suppliers' operational and quality management processes to ensure adherence to product quality standards.
• Improve supplier performance by executing existing delivery and quality agreements and enhancing suppliers' actions.
• Conduct short-term, on-site assessments to ensure high-frequency follow-up of improvement/action plans with suppliers.
• Support suppliers in resolving issues or crises to address open items effectively.
• Develop and execute improvement plans to increase suppliers' capacities and capabilities on critical deliveries.
• Validate and accept product quality for volume operations before release.
• Ensure resolution of supplier-related issues, including Non-Conformity Notifications and Delivery Delays.
• Define and execute the Supplier Quality Roadmap in line with Hutchinson's quality performance standards.
• Lead quality escalations and organize cross-sector teams to address production quality disturbances.
• Ensure supply chain performance for US-based suppliers during production and new product introductions.
• Establish tracking of optimization measurements at suppliers' KPIs regarding on-time delivery and quality targets.
• Develop long-term relationships and effective communication between suppliers and the Aerospace Defense Industry Purchasing team.

Requirements

• A master's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, optical, industrial), Supply Chain Management, Business Science, or equivalent experience.
• Five plus years of experience in manufacturing or supply chain management in a complex technical environment.
• Experience managing suppliers on quality performance, preferably in a high-tech aviation industry.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Green or Black Belt / Lean Six Sigma experience is an advantage.
• Cost-conscious action and independent working methods.
• Knowledge of procurement, preferably in the aviation sector.
• Flexibility, team spirit, and assertiveness skills are essential.
• Very good knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems.
• Experience in quality improvement and operational excellence in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to navigate complex work environments with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in building and maintaining strategic relationships with suppliers.
• Deep understanding and experience with Quality Management Systems and Tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Sustainability knowledge, such as life cycle analysis, is beneficial but not required.
• A second language in French is beneficial but not required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible work arrangements including remote work options.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on employee well-being.