Critical Supplier Manager

1. Critical Supplier Performance Management

• Own and manage end-to-end performance of critical contract manufacturers (CMs) covering quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce supplier scorecards with clear KPIs; drive corrective actions when targets are missing.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for critical suppliers — managing the relationship, escalating risks, and ensuring accountability on both sides.
• Lead regular supplier business reviews (QBRs/MBRs) to track performance trends and align improvement plans.

2. Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Prepare critical suppliers for audits — ensuring documentation, processes, and systems meet regulatory and company standards.
• Conduct and lead supplier audits (quality systems, process, and compliance); document findings and drive closure of non-conformances.
• Monitor supplier quality metrics (rejection rates, NCR trends, CAPA effectiveness) and intervene proactively before issues escalate.
• Ensure critical suppliers maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements relevant to medical device manufacturing.

3. Continuity Supply & Development

• Drive supplier development initiatives to close capability gaps and improve long-term performance.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks; work with internal stakeholders to develop contingency and continuity plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional with Quality, Engineering, Operations, and Sourcing to resolve supplier issues and drive improvements.

4. Strategic Sourcing Projects

• Lead or actively participate in strategic sourcing projects as assigned — including supplier qualification, re-sourcing, and dual-source initiatives.
• Support Sourcing in supplier evaluation and selection by providing performance data, capability assessments, and risk inputs.
• Note: Commercial negotiations and contract execution remain with the Sourcing function; this role provides suppliers with intelligence to inform those decisions.

5. Issue Management & Special Projects

• Own and manage the company's supplier issue management process — tracking open issues, driving resolution, and reporting status to leadership.
• Act as program manager for cross-functional supplier-related issues, ensuring clear ownership, timelines, and closure.
• Lead or support special projects assigned by the COO, which may span supplier, operational, or strategic topics.