Senior Supplier Quality Manager

Job Description

Senior Supplier Quality manager

Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,600 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory.

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Summary:

Reports to: Head of Quality

The Senior Supplier Quality Manager will be responsible for delivering all aspects of the Supplier Quality Assurance function to ensure that products are fit for purpose and meet customer expectations.  This position will provide leadership in overseeing and maintaining the quality of solar components received from global suppliers  by conducting baseline assessment and surveillance audits, monitoring supplier key performance indicators, conducting product qualifications through Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and driving corrective actions should any quality issues arise.  This position will also ensure that incoming materials are monitored intensively through an intensive Incoming Quality Assurance program that would assess the preliminary material, physical, chemical and dimensional properties of products. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategize and develop the annual supplier qualification and monitoring program for all key suppliers located at various international locations; lead supplier development strategy especially for new solar suppliers that will undergo a rigorous on-boarding and qualification process.
• Execute supplier assessments, audits and development protocols; recommend mitigation and corrective action plan for any identified gaps.
• Support the Procurement team with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities, along with Health, Safety and Environmental Management System requirements.
• Lead New Product Introduction Process and work with Process Engineering and Production teams to ensure proper product qualification and seamless introduction into manufacturing lines prior to formal stage gate approval.
• Develop key metrics (defect rate, NCRs, RMAs, findings etc.), monitor and improve supplier performance, drive quality improvements and work intensively with suppliers on systematic problem-solving, root cause analysis and validate implementation of all corrective and preventive actions.
• Execute intensive review of supplier documentation through Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) – review of product specifications, D/PFMEA, Control Plans, Bill of Materials, material and product data sheets, statistical process control data, (Cpk/Ppk Analysis), packaging, reliability qualification tests, etc.
• Provide timely escalation of internal IQA and process quality issues correlated with supplied materials and drive fast disposition from suppliers and replacement of rejected incoming lots.
• Ensure compliance of suppliers to relevant quality and product certification standards – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IEC 61215, UL 61730 and other applicable international and regulatory standards.
• Ensure proper training and qualification to all supplier and internal employees on supplier and incoming quality management systems, procedures and continual improvement initiatives.
• Manage, coach and develop a high performing Supplier Quality team located in the USA and other international sites in Asia.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned due to criticality and urgency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science (Chemistry or Physics) with 12+ years manufacturing experience in one or more of the following industries: solar, electronics, semiconductor or automotive.
• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in  supplier quality,  supplier development, customer quality, supply chain or a combination of these.
• Adept in Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and/or Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in managing suppliers or interfacing with customers located in both US-domestic and other international locations, especially in Asia.
• Intensive experience in statistical process control and analysis using statistical software (e.g, JMP and Minitab).
• Strong background in quality management systems, preferably ISO 9001; certified lead quality auditor.
• Proven experience in root cause analysis, process improvements and implementation of quality control measures.
• Adept in New Product Introduction (NPI) Process with cross-functional coordination with Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, Program Management and Production Planning groups.
• Excellent leadership, written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Fluent in written and verbal communication in both Mandarin and English.
• Willing to do 100% on-site work; remote work not possible unless on business travel.
• Willing to do domestic and international travel (up to 40% max).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or Science
• Certification in Quality Engineering (American Society for Quality - CQA, CQE, CQM)
• Experience in high-volume data management and reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.