Supplier Quality Manager

The European Supplier Quality Manager is the senior individual-contributor subject-matter expert for supplier quality across the region. Operating with a high degree of independence and advanced judgment, this role sets the standards, methods, and frameworks by which suppliers are qualified, monitored, and developed — ensuring that materials, components, and products consistently meet Emerson’s quality, regulatory, and ESG requirements. Beyond resolving individual quality issues, the Supplier Quality Manager shapes the supplier quality strategy, drives systemic and preventive improvement, influences policy and process design, and provides technical leadership and mentorship to Supplier Quality Engineers and cross-functional partners — without direct people-management responsibility. In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be: Define and own the supplier quality strategy, standards, and governance framework for Europe, translating Emerson’s quality and supply network objectives into advanced, preventive supplier quality programs. Lead the qualification and development of new and existing suppliers, defining methods and acceptance criteria for complex, non-routine assessments (APQP, PPAP, process capability, first-article approval). Ensure supplier compliance with European regulatory and customer-specific requirements (CE marking, REACH, RoHS, ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and Emerson’s ESG standards. Drive systemic root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (8D, DMAIC) on the most critical and high-visibility supplier quality escalations, coordinating cross-functional teams to closure. Establish and manage the supplier scorecard and performance-management system, setting KPIs, analyzing trends, and directing performance-improvement plans for underperforming suppliers. Develop contingency and risk-mitigation strategies for high-risk suppliers to protect continuity of supply and prevent disruption. Serve as the recognized technical authority on supplier quality tools and methodologies; define standard ways of working and coach, guide, and review the work of Supplier Quality Engineers and less-experienced colleagues, without formal supervisory authority. Partner with Sourcing, Engineering, and Operations to embed early supplier involvement and design-for-manufacturability into New Product Development (NPD). Influence policy and continuous-improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Perfect Execution) across the supplier base to improve quality, cost, and reliability. Provide fact-based reporting, trend analysis, and strategic recommendations on supplier quality to senior leadership to support decision-making. Lead supplier audits, forums, and workshops across Europe to strengthen partnerships, align on expectations, and share best practices. Champion sustainable and ethical supplier practices, reviewing labour standards and environmental performance in line with Emerson and European policy. Who You Are: You are a strategic and results-driven professional who thrives in solving complex challenges and navigating ambiguity with sound judgment. You build alignment across diverse stakeholders through effective communication and influence, while mentoring others and delivering high-quality outcomes under pressure. For This Role, You Will Need: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; a higher-level qualification (e.g., Master’s) is an advantage. Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience in supplier quality, quality assurance, or manufacturing (or 6 years with a Master’s), preferably in a European supply-chain environment — consistent with the IC4 advanced-professional level. Recognized subject-matter expertise in Quality Systems & Tools (PPAP, APQP, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, 8D, SPC) with the ability to define methods and evaluation criteria for new or non-routine work. Willingness to travel extensively across Europe (approx. 30%) to visit and develop suppliers. Fluency in English; additional European languages are a plus. Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart: Certified auditor (e.g., ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 lead auditor). Six Sigma / Lean qualification (Green or Black Belt preferred) and proven continuous-improvement delivery. Demonstrated ability to operate independently on complex issues, with work reviewed upon completion for consistency with objectives. Experience coaching, guiding, or delegating to less-experienced quality professionals, without formal people-management responsibility. Strong commercial awareness and experience managing suppliers and customers in an international environment. Our Culture & Commitment to You: At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.