Supplier Quality Lead
Auto req ID: 54154
Title: Supplier Quality Lead
Job Function: Continuous Improvement and Quality
Location: YORK
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Shift: SHIFT1
At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It’s our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Vehicle Operations facility in York is our final assembly plant. Employees at York also perform a variety of manufacturing operations, including fabrication, welding, polishing and painting and produce a wide range of current and replacement parts for all models. Join our team as a Supplier Quality Lead.
Job Summary
This position will lead efforts to drive improvement in supplier quality through implementation of Harley-Davidson quality strategies and objectives. This position will lead and implement supplier quality work assignments. The position will provide leadership in developing strategies to enhance the overall quality of incoming product as well as meeting corporate supplier performance metrics.
Job Responsibilities
- Engage in early supplier selection and design reviews to ensure capability alignment.
- Lead APQP planning for complex or high-impact components.
- Approve supplier readiness through robust PPAP, MSA, and capability studies.
- Champion early issue detection and mitigation using FMEA, control plans, and simulation data.
- Drive long-term supplier quality performance improvement initiatives.
- Lead escalated supplier recovery plans and support negotiations in quality-related commercial impacts.
- Conduct process audits (IATF, VDA, layered audits) and coach suppliers toward compliance.
- Develop and deploy advanced quality analytics to detect shifts or risks in production.
- Lead cross-functional root cause investigations for chronic or safety-critical field failures.
- Own closed-loop feedback between warranty, engineering, and supplier quality systems.
- Lead supplier quality summits and formal performance reviews.
- Identify and deploy systemic corrective actions across similar parts, platforms, or suppliers.
- Perform other SQ related activities as needed.
Education Requirements
Experience Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in supplier or manufacturing quality
- Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and VDA/IATF standards
- ASQ or AIAG certification (preferred)
- Skilled in root cause analysis, capability studies, and supplier audits
- Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities (e.g., Minitab, Excel)
- Experience leading quality for critical components or field issues
- Willing to travel up to 50%, including international travel
- Able to lead problem-solving with suppliers and internal teams
- Comfortable working in plant and supplier environments
- Comfortable mentoring others and engaging suppliers at leadership level
Harley-Davidson is an equal opportunity employer that continues to build a culture of inclusion, belonging and equity through our commitment to attracting and retaining diverse talent from all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in fairness and providing a level playing field for all. We foster a culture that thrives on diverse perspectives and contributions to ignite the creativity and innovation to fuel our business and enhance the employee and customer experience.
The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.
We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. We welcome everybody to join our family and be united no matter who you are or where you come from. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
Direct Reports: Yes
Travel Required: 25 - 50%
Pay Range: 100100-155300
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)
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