Supplier Quality Engineering Manager - Supplier Development at Penumbrainc — Alameda, CA

General Summary

We are establishing a dedicated Supplier Development capability within Supplier Quality Engineering focused on strategic supply chain initiatives and projects, strengthening supplier capability, and supporting long-term supply continuity and resiliency. The successful candidate will lead a growing team while in partnership with Strategic Procurement on supplier development efforts and cross-functional programs. This is an opportunity to help shape and grow an emerging organization with visibility, cross-functional influence, and long-term impact to the overall business.

Primary Responsibilities

Supplier Development & Capability Building

• Lead supplier capability development initiatives to improve quality, scalability, robustness, and long-term supplier readiness
• Develop supplier improvement roadmaps and long-term development plans aligned with Strategic Procurement strategies and Technical Engineering priorities
• Own supplier improvement activities including Kaizens, process optimization efforts, and cost reduction initiatives
• Perform supplier capability assessments and technical evaluations
• Support and execute on make versus buy analysis

Supplier Enablement

• Partner with Strategic Procurement to support:
• Category strategy and diversification efforts
• New supplier identification, qualification, and development initiatives
• Supply risk reduction initiatives and inspection programs
• Evaluation of outsource programs
• Support complex supplier programs including large qualifications, supplier expansion activities, and supplier capability growth efforts
• Lead supplier stabilization and monitoring activities for new suppliers, outsourced processes, or developing supply chains

Supply Risk Reduction

• Support supplier segmentation and risk stratification activities associated with capability, capacity, scalability, and other business continuity factors
• Participate in subtier supplier assessments and mitigation efforts, as appropriate
• Contribute technical inputs supporting long-term supply continuity initiatives

Organization Leadership

• Lead and develop a growing Supplier Development Engineering team
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and prioritization support
• Help establish operating models, engagement processes, and best practices for the Supplier Development organization
• Partner across Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality functions

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations Engineering, or related technical functions
• Experience leading supplier qualification, supplier development, process improvement, or capability development initiatives
• Demonstrated experience partnering with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations
• Strong technical problem solving and project leadership skills
• Experience leading initiatives with broad cross-functional impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with supplier diversification efforts, second sourcing programs, or supplier transfer initiatives
• Experience leading supplier Kaizens and continuous improvement activities
• Experience supporting supplier capability growth, scalability, and risk reduction initiatives
• Experience with global suppliers and complex supply chains
• Experience managing teams or mentoring technical talent
• Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience preferred

Location and Salary:

• Alameda, CA
• Annual Base Salary: $138,000 to $203,000