Supplier Quality Lead

Location: Assam/Jagiroad

Role Overview

The Supplier Quality & Supplier Management Lead is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, performance management, and risk mitigation across semiconductor backend manufacturing operations. This role works closely with procurement, engineering, and manufacturing teams to qualify suppliers, establish robust quality systems, and continuously improve supplier performance. The position also plays a key leadership role in supplier development, business continuity, and building a strong zero‑defect culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain supplier quality assurance programs to ensure reliable and consistent component quality.

• Define, track, and drive supplier performance through clearly established quality metrics and KPIs.

• Lead Quality Business Reviews (QBRs) with suppliers and ensure timely closure of improvement actions.

• Maintain effective communication channels with suppliers to address quality concerns, provide performance feedback, and strengthen collaboration.

• Lead supplier qualification and approval processes, including documentation review, capability assessments, and on‑site audits.

• Conduct supplier audits to evaluate compliance with quality systems, specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Perform supplier quality risk assessments using FMEA and other risk‑based methodologies.

• Ensure supplier alignment with industry quality standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 26262.

• Drive supplier development initiatives focused on quality improvement, cost efficiency, and overall supply chain performance.

• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to support business continuity and mitigate supply risk.

• Develop and maintain supplier quality agreements outlining quality expectations, roles, and responsibilities.

• Lead structured problem‑solving activities using 8D methodology, Control Plans, and corrective/preventive action systems.

• Collaborate with procurement, engineering, and manufacturing teams to resolve supplier quality issues and support sourcing decisions.

• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on supplier quality processes, tools, and best practices.

• Monitor industry trends, regulatory requirements, and supplier performance data to continuously enhance supplier quality strategies.

• Lead and mentor supplier quality teams, fostering accountability, consistency in behavior, and high performance.

• Promote a strong culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and commitment to zero defects.

• Apply strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills to align stakeholders and suppliers to quality objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• 15+ years of relevant experience in supplier quality, supplier management, or quality leadership roles within semiconductor or high‑technology manufacturing environments.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) is an advantage.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of semiconductor assembly and test / backend manufacturing processes.
• In‑depth knowledge of quality management systems and industry standards, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 26262.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements such as RoHS and REACH.
• Expert‑level proficiency in structured problem solving (8D), FMEA, Control Plans, and process stability methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Supplier negotiation and relationship management
• Strategic and risk‑based thinking
• Influencing across cross‑functional and external stakeholders
• Clear, consistent, and effective communication
• Visionary leadership with strong execution focus
• Deep commitment to zero‑defect quality performance