Essentra is a leading provider of essential components and solutions. Every day we produce and distribute millions of small but essential products. 

Our international network extends to 28 countries, with headquarters in the United Kingdom and includes 14 manufacturing facilities, 24 distribution centers and 33 sales & service centers. 

At the center of everything is our purpose, to responsibly provide the products and services our customers need to succeed. Put simply, our purpose is why we exist as a company. Many companies claim to be changing the world; we don’t. But we do make a powerful difference to our customers. We make it work. Every one of us. Every day. 

Job Description

This role is responsible for supplier management, resolution, and reporting of corrective action projects. Corrective action projects include those resulting from supplier internal audit findings, supplier process failures, customer requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is an onsite position based in our Louisville, KY location.

Typical Accountabilities

• Serve as the primary technical contact for quality-related issues with internal and external customers.
• Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance performance, reduce defects, and minimize the need for receiving inspection.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Systems Documentation in alignment with ISO-9001 and IATF-16949 standards. Collaborate with the Quality Manager, Americas Company President, department managers, and third-party auditors to ensure system effectiveness.
• Conduct thorough root cause analysis and problem-solving using the 8D methodology to address supplier concerns.
• Support cost-effective implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems (QMS) aligned with ISO-9001 and IATF-16949 standards.
• Apply working knowledge of automotive industry requirements, including APQP, PPAP, process flow diagrams, FMEAs, and control plans.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with suppliers to promote transparency and continuous improvement.
• Act as a Material Review Board (MRB) member to assess, disposition, and resolve non-conformance issues with supplied materials.
• Issue and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) to ensure timely resolution and closure of quality concerns.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive long-term quality improvement and reliability.
• Support supplier selection and assessment processes, focusing on key commodities and performance criteria.
• Define and implement quality requirements for purchased components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with suppliers on process improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics to ensure consistent quality and delivery performance.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits, including process and performance evaluations, to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Perform and review supplier process validations, ensuring alignment with industry standards and customer expectations.
• Contribute to continuation engineering activities by providing supplier quality expertise and support as required.
• Perform related job duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or Materials Science required.
• Training in Quality Systems Standard Requirements (i.e., ISO-9001, IATF 16949 or equivalent).
• At least 5 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Have a participative approach to training and management, recognize the value of supplier involvement.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% in the U.S. for vendor visits or to visit other Essentra locations.
• Capable of leading problem-solving teams.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office - Excel, Word, Outlook) including ERP experience (JDE / SAP)
• Excellent comprehension and analytical skills.
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to define and brainstorm solutions to problems.
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple shifting priorities.
• Working knowledge of Quality tools such as SPC, FAI, PPAP, APQP, Control Plans, FMEA, GD&T, MSA.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Experience with injection molding and vinyl dip molding is desired but not required.
• Experience in applying or auditing to one or more Management System or Continuous Improvement Standards (ISO 9001, IATF, 16949, etc.) is a plus but not required.

We offer a competitive salary, bonus incentive, full benefits package, and generous paid time off.