Manager, Supplier Quality

Job Summary

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is shaping the next generation of legendary motorcycles and rider experiences. Quality is foundational in everything we do. We are seeking a proven quality leader to drive supplier quality excellence across our U.S. manufacturing operations. The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for leading Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) teams, overseeing the Supplier Quality Technician (SQT) and NCM processing teams, supplier issue management, and supplier performance activities supporting the York (YVO) and Pilgrim Road (PTO) manufacturing facilities. This role serves as the primary quality interface between Harley-Davidson and the supply base for current production, launch support, supplier performance improvement, and quality spill prevention.

The position is accountable for ensuring supplier manufacturing processes consistently deliver conforming products while driving improvements in supplier quality performance, launch execution, containment effectiveness, corrective action closure, and cost of quality reduction. The Supplier Quality Manager leads supplier escalations, production issue resolution, warranty containment activities, and supplier recovery efforts to protect manufacturing operations and customer satisfaction.

This role works closely with Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Development Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Service, Operations, and Harley-Davidson suppliers worldwide to ensure production continuity and world-class quality performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality performance across production and launch activities through KPI management, supplier scorecards, and escalation processes.
• Drive improvements in Supplier PPM, FPY, Repairs Per Hundred (RPH), launch quality, and overall supplier performance.
• Develop and execute supplier improvement plans to address quality, delivery, and manufacturing risks.
• Lead resolution of supplier-related production quality issues impacting manufacturing operations.
• Drive containment, root cause identification, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
• Partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Supplier Development Quality teams to ensure successful product launches and stable production.
• Support supplier readiness activities and drive rapid resolution of launch-related quality concerns.
• Lead supplier quality system, process, and manufacturing audits.
• Drive supplier compliance to Harley-Davidson quality requirements, PPAP submissions, and production control expectations.
• Escalate supplier risks through defined governance processes.
• Apply technical expertise in manufacturing processes to support supplier performance and issue resolution.
• Utilize quality data and trends to proactively identify and mitigate production risks.
• Drive reduction of supplier-related cost of quality through issue prevention, recovery activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead supplier accountability for warranty, non-conforming material, and production disruption costs.

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

Bachelor's Degree preferred in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.

Experience Requirements

This position typically requires a minimum of 7+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Operations Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical fields.  In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the following:

• 3+ years of leadership experience leading technical or quality teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, casting, stamping, welding, plastics, coatings, electronics, and assembly
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive measurable quality improvements
• Experience resolving production quality issues through structured problem solving and data-driven decision making
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience utilizing quality metrics and operational performance data to drive improvements