IPEX is one of the North American leading providers of advanced plastic piping systems. Our mission is to shape a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Supplier Quality Specialist. This role is based in our Nun's Island office at Montreal, Quebec office and reports to the Corporate Quality Manager.

Do not miss the opportunity to join a diverse group of people-centric professionals, leaders with vision and rapid problem solvers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters!

Job Summary

Our Nuns' Island location is looking for a focused and meticulous Supplier Quality Leader (SQL) to join our Corporate Quality and Product Compliance (CQPC) team. The successful candidate will support manufacturing, Strategic Sourcing and procurement to ensure that in-house manufactured products and purchased items meet customer requirements for all IPEX operations.

In addition, the SQL plays a vital role in approving new suppliers and purchasing parts to secure quality supplies and parts. This includes reviewing engineering and manufacturing specifications, monitoring materials for defects, and resolving quality issues. Therefore, the SQL should have excellent analytical skills and strong attention to detail to succeed in this position. Ultimately, the candidate should have excellent Leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Principal Responsibilities

· Lead creating and implementing best practice quality vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.

· Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on Supplier Quality activities.

· Lead supplier development strategy, designing the function and supplier performance metrics.

· Carry out supplier validation audits with supplier support and supplier advanced product quality planning (APQP).

· Support Purchasing with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and Health, Safety, and Environmental risks.

· Support new product launches to ensure suppliers can deliver to the required quality standards.

· Manage the root cause analysis and corrective actions process of supplier quality issues.

· Perform on-site supplier visits for root cause analysis and verification of corrective actions of supplier quality issues.

· Where appropriate, work with the supplier directly and create corrective action plans to address process failures.

· Review inspection and test results required by regulations, technical product specifications or control plans, PPAP approval, or product mandate submission.

· Monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance, understanding commercial issues and impacts.

· Manage the Supplier's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

· Lead quality audits for suppliers.

· Support regular inspection meetings with representatives from appropriate departments to establish an action plan for improving build quality.

· Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practices/designs and future trends.

· Stay current on any changes affecting the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact.

· Undertake personal continuous training and development.

· Promote continuous improvement such as Lean, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).

· Coach and develop stakeholders and share best practices results with them.

· Provide leadership to the project team.

· Set objectives of /KPIs on supplier quality and assess the performance of direct reports.

· Report on achievement of targets and identify any actions required.

· Review, implement, and update company records, e.g., training matrices, performance reviews, and risk assessments.

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.

· Work collaboratively, negotiate, and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the purchasing strategy.

· Lead the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and Health, Safety, and Environmental risks.

· Participate in cross-functional teams in developing new products or changes related to current products in meeting customer requirements.

Qualifications & experience

· A University degree in engineering.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

· A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner or above certificate is an asset.

· Knowledge of ISO 9001.

· Member of OIQ or PEO an asset.

· Certified Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) by ASQ an asset.

· Strong organizational and project management skills.

· Excellent communication, negotiation, and presenter skills.

· Excellent team spirit.

· Good computer skills in using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint

· Experience in using Minitab is an asset.

· Good knowledge in quality tools such as but not limited to DMAIC, 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagram.

· Problem-solving skills.

· Data and metrics interpreting.

· Detail-oriented and meticulous mindset.

· Fast learner.

· Fully bilingual in both French and English.

IPEX is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant's accessibility needs due to disability. Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for IPEX jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at [email protected]