Supplier Quality Manager

As Supplier Quality Manager, you will lead incoming supplier quality for a manufacturing facility within Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems team. You drive quality assurance across the supply chain, ensuring defect-free material from source to dock and supporting supplier quality improvement initiatives. You manage supplier relationships and a team addressing daily quality issues on the shop floor. This role shapes how we deliver reliable, high-quality components at scale, contributing to Caterpillar’s mission of building a better, more sustainable world.

• 30 days vacation
• Company pension plan
• Bicycle leasing / job ticket / wellbeing allowance
• Relocation assistance may be provided
• In-office five days a week requirement
• Equal Opportunity Employer

• Manage supply network activities focused on incoming supplier quality for the Kiel facility
• Lead quality assurance processes for the supply function to improve quality for customers and the corporation
• Ensure zero defect material and services flow from source to dock and other required points
• Deliver supplier quality improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and raise quality levels
• Manage a team handling daily quality issues found in manufacturing

• Quality Management knowledge and ability to support a quality-driven environment
• Deep familiarity with supplier management and practical application to raw materials or components
• Strong understanding of procurement responsibilities and structure
• Clear grasp of manufacturing standards, procedures and policies for compliant production
• Ability to use decision-making tools and conduct informed analysis
• Solid communication skills to transmit and interpret information effectively
• Experience in relationship management with clients, vendors and peers
• Problem solving capability to recognize and resolve organizational or process issues
• Process improvement mindset focused on continuous quality enhancement
• Degree or equivalent experience in supplier quality management desired
• Very good German (C1) and very good English (B2)

• Effective communication
• Relationship management
• Problem solving
• Quality management methods and tools
• Supplier management techniques
• Procurement knowledge