Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer will work with Commodity Managers Logistics New Product Development and plant quality teams to insure supplier performance across the organization. 

Position location: This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule based out of Deerfield IL. Effective mid-2025 Fortune Brands will transition to a new world-class campus in Deerfield bringing together associates from across our U.S. offices brands and functions. The campus will offer vibrant workspaces for collaboration along with amenities for dining onsite daycare fitness and recreation.

RESPONSIBLIITIES:

• Supplier Evaluation
  • Evaluate potential suppliers capabilities through detailed assessments including production capacity quality control systems certifications and financial stability.
  • Conduct on-site visits to understand suppliers infrastructure processes and adherence to quality and Code of Conduct standards.
  • Use tools like questionnaires audits or supplier self-assessments to gather relevant information.
• Supplier Assessment
  • Perform systematic periodic audits to assess supplier compliance with company standards and industry regulations.
  • Develop audit checklists that focus on processes like material traceability defect handling and corrective action implementation.
  • Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely closure of non-conformities.
• Component & Product Qualification (Non-Water Business)
  • Conduct detailed qualification processes for first article inspections (FAIs) PPAP and trial production runs.
  • Develop qualification criteria based on specific project or product requirements.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring
  • Track supplier performance metrics like defect rates NCR and responsiveness to issues.
  • Analyze trends using statistical tools such as control charts and Pareto analysis to identify performance patterns.
  • Provide suppliers with performance feedback including KPIs and areas of improvement.
• Quality Assurance Collaboration
  • Partner with suppliers to establish and implement quality assurance frameworks ensuring consistent product quality.
  • Define quality standards test criteria and acceptance levels for incoming materials and components to support the Supplier Quality Inspection team in ensuring compliance and quality assurance.
• Process Improvement
  • Collaborate with suppliers to refine their processes for better efficiency and quality outcomes.
  • Apply Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies to reduce waste variability and defects in supplier processes.
• Issue Resolution
  • Use structured problem-solving approaches (e.g. 8D 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams) to identify the root cause of supplier-related quality issues.
  • Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to address problems and prevent recurrence.
  • Ensure timely communication of issue resolutions to all stakeholders.
• Supplier Development
  • Conduct training workshops or sessions for suppliers to educate them on quality standards best practices and compliance requirements.
  • Establish long-term relationships by helping suppliers upgrade their capabilities to align with company goals.
• Data Analysis
  • Investigate quality issues by collecting data and analyzing trends to pinpoint failure points in the suppliers processes.
  • Work with suppliers to develop comprehensive reports and implement corrective measures.
• Risk Assessment
  • Use tools like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to predict and mitigate potential issues.
• Compliance Management
  • Ensure suppliers adhere to regulatory requirements such as ISO standards Code of Conduct or specific industry certifications.
  • Communicate and enforce compliance with company policies and product-specific quality expectations.
• Material Review
  • Support the review and disposition of non-conforming materials from suppliers including rejection rework or acceptance with deviation.
  • Work closely with manufacturing teams to minimize disruptions caused by material defects.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Maintain detailed records of supplier evaluations audit results performance metrics and corrective actions.
  • Provide management with regular updates through detailed reports highlighting key issues and achievements.
• Collaboration with Internal Teams
  • Act as a liaison between internal teams (e.g. Sourcing GDP and manufacturing) and suppliers to ensure alignment of expectations.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss supplier-related challenges and strategic initiatives.
• Inspection Standards
  • Develop inspection and testing criteria specific to each supplier and product type.
  • Define acceptable quality levels (AQLs) and ensure consistent application of these standards.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Drive or support supplier-led continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs defects and lead times.
  • Share best practices and success stories from other suppliers to encourage improvement.
• Supplier Scorecard Development
  • Create supplier scorecards to assess and rank suppliers based on criteria quality performance.
  • Use scorecards as a basis for supplier recognition development programs or if necessary disengagement.
• Cost of Quality Management
  • Calculate and monitor the cost of poor quality (COPQ) associated with supplier defects including rework scrap and production downtime.

Qualifications :

• Minimum of 3years of directly related experience within a quality/manufacturing environment
• Bachelors Degree (B.S.) with an emphasis in supply chain / business / engineering or relevant experience preferred
• Experience with APQP process
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with emphasis in Excel Word and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical communication and organizational skills
• Ability to travel up to 25% of time

Additional Information :

Fortune Brands believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is Hiring Pay Range: $63000 USD - $95000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range or be above or below the range based on factors including but not limited to education training experience professional achievement business need and location. In addition to base salary employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a role-based sales incentive plan.

At Fortune Brands we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering comprehensive competitive benefits that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing and provide flexibility for our teammates unique needs. This includes robust health plans a market-leading 401(k) program with a company contribution product discounts flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays per policy) inclusive fertility / adoption benefits and more. We offer numerous Employee Resource Groups to support inclusivity and our associates feeling of belonging at work.

Fortune Brands is a brand innovation and channel leader focused on exciting supercharged categories in the home products security and commercial building markets. Our portfolio of brands includes Moen House of Rohl Aqualisa SpringWell Therma-Tru Larson Fiberon Master Lock SentrySafe and Yale residential.

Fortune Brands is headquartered in Deerfield Illinois and trades on the NYSE as FBIN

Equal Employment Opportunity:

FBIN is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant based on race color religion sex gender identity or expression national origin ancestry age disability marital status protected veteran status sexual orientation genetic history or information or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations:

FBIN is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process please contact us at and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Resumes submitted to this email address will not be responded to.

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