Supplier Quality Manager

Career Area:

Procurement

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Supplier Quality Manager

At Caterpillar, we’re committed to our customers, who build a better, more sustainable world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities – innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth. Through it all, we are  one team – creating and delivering world-class products, services and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.  We have an exciting opportunity for a Supplier Quality Manager to join our Large Power Systems team to support Caterpillar large engine production at our Kiel facility.

What you will do:

• Manage supply network related activities focused on incoming supplier quality for a manufacturing facility.

• Collaborate with SDE organisations to support proactive quality assurance processes for the supply function.

• Leads day‑to‑day quality control and disposition—CARs/AQEs, rework/scrap/returns/replacements, PDI & Reject support, and follow‑ups on quality issues

• Ensure zero defect material and services flow for the facility from source to dock and additional required points.

• Work with suppliers to develop and improve quality levels.

• Manage a team responsible for responding to and addressing daily quality issues found in the manufacturing facility.

What You Have (Key Skills/Experience Required):

• Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization, with experience applying structured quality frameworks such as PPAP and associated documentation to validate supplier processes and manage product and process risk.

• Technical Understanding of Large‑Scale Manufacturing Environments: Strong technical understanding of complex, high‑volume manufacturing operations, including production processes, equipment, materials, and process controls; ability to interpret technical documentation, assess manufacturing capability, and engage credibly with suppliers and internal stakeholders on technical and quality‑related topics.

• Supplier Management: Deep familiarity with processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.

• Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Clear grasp of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

• Effective Communications: Solid understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

• Relationship Management: Expertise in techniques that support the establishment and maintenance of productive working relationships with clients, vendors and peers.

• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

• Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintain focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.

• Degree or equivalent experience in supplier quality management desired.

• Very good German (at least C1) and very good English skills (at least B2).

What You Will Get:

• Varied, responsible, and challenging tasks

• Opportunity to shape the future for a newly created entity

• Excellent earning opportunities according to the Caterpillar compensation system

• 30 days of vacation

• Company pension plan

• Bicycle leasing / job ticket / wellbeing allowance

Additional Information:

We are back! This role requires being in the office five days a week.

Note - Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

A valid work permit or EU-25/EFTA citizenship is required for this position.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For the past 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

We value authenticity and encourage candidates to submit original, personally crafted responses throughout our hiring process. Use of AI-generated content may disadvantage your application.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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