About NFW NFW is a circularity platform for plastic-free performance materials. NFW follows three Ground Rules in everything we develop: start well, stay clean, end well. While nearly everything in the built world relies on some type of plastic that began as crude oil and that will become plastic pollution, we are establishing a new material reality. We believe all materials should begin and end as nutrients, ready for the next growth cycle-true circularity. Our multi-material platform serves a wide range of industries-from fashion and footwear to automotive and upholstery. NFW technology embeds seamlessly into existing supply chains, enabling the world's most iconic brands to design and scale products with high-performance, plastic-free materials. NFW makes global brands more sustainable, empowering them to create without plastics. Alongside the boldest brands and visionary designers, we are pioneering a naturally circular, post-oil economy. NFW is a company of trailblazers, innovators, and bold thinkers, committed to reinventing the way things are made. We never stop learning. We are fiercely curious about the world and how to improve it for everyone. We offer competitive salary, paid vacation and sick time, flexible work-life balance, great colleagues and more! Position Overview Own all aspects of global supplier relationships which impact the Cost of Quality (COQ). Measure, prevent, react and enforce processes and procedures to manage suppliers reactively and proactively. This includes initial selection and qualification of suppliers, continuous improvement and development throughout the life-cycle of the supplier, cross-functional support for all related programs, and triage to permanent solutions. This position is onsite in Peoria, IL. Responsibilities:
- Participates in supplier selection and monitors performance. Identifies areas of improvement and leads team activity.
- Works closely with procurement and engineering on supplier development and new product introductions ensuring suppliers are capable of meeting requirements.
- Develops and monitors metrics for suppliers including supplier corrective actions, responsiveness, and speed to problem resolution.
- Promotes the use of process development and controls (i.e. PFMEA, Control Plans, Preventative Actions, PPAP).
- Requires frequent travel to suppliers to understand their processes and controls, verify controls are executed as planned, and communicate issues encountered by NFW and work directly with the supplier to improve processes and material quality.
- Interfaces with internal customer on quality issues and actively participates in failure analysis and corrective action efforts.
- Owns all aspects of proactive and reactive quality throughout the product lifecycle.
- Leads problem definition and reactive problem solving through containment, identification of root cause and corrective action with SCAR (Supplier Corrective Action Report)
- Performs annual audits to monitor supplier QMS (Quality Management System) compliance and effectiveness.
- Leads qualification of alternate sources for mitigation of business risk, including expansion of supplier portfolio for commercial leverage, TOW (Transfer of Work) or NPI (New Product Introduction)
- Manages supplier onboarding process and lead all functional participation for supplier launch of new products.
- Identifies areas for cost reduction across assigned supplier base including internal supplier process, quality improvements, Variable Cost Productivity (VCP) and material usage.
- Utilizes LEAN manufacturing concepts to improve supplier processes to deliver on cost savings ideas including reduction of waste and rework.
- Travel as required (40-50%)
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
- Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 7 years of Quality and/or Technical experience in manufacturing environment in automotive / chemical / textile or related industry, of which 1-2 years at a supervisor or manager level.
- ASQ CQE or SQP or equivalent certification preferred
- Hands-on experience with ISO 9001, IATF16949 or equivalent quality management systems and tools
- Hands on experience on supplier assessment, qualification, audit and management
- Experienced with problem solving tools and techniques (i.e. 8-D, 5 Whys, 7 Ways, Fishbone, Pareto, Six Sigma) and part qualification processes (First Article, PPAP).
- Strong background in applying statistical tools for process and product development and control (i.e. Process Capability, Control Plans, SPC, Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
- Strong project management skills are required.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop, manage and implement project plans both globally and domestically
- Skilled and experienced with reading and understanding prints, specifications, dimensions and tolerances.
- Demonstrated Lean Manufacturing experience
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to fluently communicate in English (written and oral) required
Physical Requirements & Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Frequently required to talk, hear, and see. Frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Regular standing, walking, sitting, and reaching. Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds. Primarily operates in office. lab, and manufacturing environments. Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets. Occasionally required to use personal protective equipment. Ability to travel to various locations, locally and internationally when required. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Company is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team in which members of all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. In compliance with state and federal law, the Company does not discriminate in employment or administration of its programs and policies based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. Our policy reflects and affirms the Company's commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all unlawful discriminatory practices. (1).pdf E-Verify Participation Poster (1).pdf E-Verify Right to Work