Inside the Role

The Supplier Management Specialist focuses activities on improving the supplier’s overall quality and delivery performance to DTNA. Suppliers are continuously monitored through performance-based management. We strive to have the supplier achieve Master of Quality through assessing, developing, and driving continuous improvement. Supplier management specialist activities will result in higher performance in supplier delivery, quality, and lowest Total Supplier Driven Cost.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $104,000 – $133,000 USD

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

What You Drive at DTNA

• Commodity focus Resins/Mirrors/Insulation: Injection Mold, Thermoform, composites.

• Develop our supply base to ensure best overall cost, quality, manufacturability, and operational self-reliance.

• Work with suppliers to develop appropriate project schedules to achieve vehicle milestone objectives and KPIs.

• Establish manufacturing processes to include critical characteristics and parameter controls across a broad spectrum of inputs (tooling, equipment, process capacity, capability, quality, throughput, and human development)

• Collaborate with Product Strategy and Operations Planning on the Long-Range Production Plan and the capability of current suppliers to meet volume / mix.

• Perform assessments by following a trigger-based performance decision matrix. They provide results and develop a plan for improving the supplier’s performance.

• Lead problem solving activities at the supplier. Review and approve permanent corrective actions submitted by the supplier. Perform run at rate to ensure capacity at the supplier is sufficient.

• Lead escalation processes (Help) for poor-performing suppliers.

• Collaborate with procurement and be a partner by providing current input on supplier quality and delivery performance while supporting the awarding process.

• Collaborate with Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.

• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction and integrity.

• Drive for results and customer satisfaction by collaborating with teams, leading projects, and continuously driving improvement in the supply base.

• Maintain and communicate responsible status information supporting project KPI visualization. Internally and externally.

• Identifies process waste and develops a plan with the supplier to eliminate.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or similar technical field

• 4+ years of supplier management, procurement, supply chain, or changeover experience

• 4+ years supplier quality experience - Quality system audit, PPAP, root cause & corrective actions at the supplier. Statistical process Control, Capacity management verification by run at rate.

• Experience in Manufacturing environment, or Shop floor management, or leadership role

• Process knowledge in tooling, Die and Sand Cast, forgings, stamping, welding, injection mold, machining, heat treatment, electronics soldering, sewing, Cab and Chassis components, or Mechatronics.

• Materials expertise: Aluminum, Iron, Steel, resins, paint, rubber.

• Expertise in reading drawings/prints, including the ability to discuss Basic GD&T

• Structured problem solving, project management experience, Negotiations.

• Understanding of value stream, Lean principles, identifying process waste, and eliminating.

• Manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering experience developing one or more of the following commodities/products:

  • Interior components – trim, console box, fuel tank, HVAC
  • Exterior components – grills, bumpers, outer mirrors, door handles, glass
  • Electrical/Electronics – Audio, multimedia, ECUs, Battery, hybrid systems
  • Chassis Components – Steering, Suspension, brakes, driveline
  • Powertrain – Engine, Axle, Transmission, Battery
  • Body & Assembly – Frame, body, structural, Seats, headliners, door trim

• Capabilities with MS365

• Executive presentation skills

• Ability to travel up to 75%, including international travel, primarily in North America

• An attached resume is required

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Master’s Degree

• International experience

• New model production preparation

• Managing multiple-tier 1 supplier production preparation

• Expertise in the DTNA Book of Business and Supplier Requirements, CVDS

• Establishment of manufacturing process including key Characteristics, tooling, equipment, process capability

• Experience in Design feedback

• Fluent in Spanish and English

• Experience leveraging AI tools and technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, or business outcomes

#LI-AH2

#LI-HYBRID

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- Fort Mill, SC US, Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application

• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check

• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen

• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions

• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.