Role Overview for VP, Sourcing & Supplier Quality with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized, multi-billion-dollar Tier 1 Automotive Supplier in their exclusive search for a transformative Vice President of Sourcing & Supplier Quality. Based in the automotive heartland of Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is critical to the company’s continued growth, profitability, and reputation for excellence. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader responsible for architecting and executing a world-class global sourcing strategy while simultaneously championing a culture of zero-defect supplier quality across the entire supply base.
This is not merely a managerial position; it is a strategic imperative. You will be at the helm of a dynamic, global team, driving performance, mitigating risks, and forging powerful supplier partnerships that provide a distinct competitive advantage. Your leadership will directly impact product quality, cost-effectiveness, and the company’s ability to innovate and respond to the seismic shifts in the automotive industry, including electrification, autonomous driving, and connected vehicles. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the supply chain, from strategic commodity management and negotiation to the rigorous development and performance monitoring of suppliers worldwide. This role requires a leader who can operate at the 30,000-foot strategic level and also dive deep into the technical and operational details to drive tangible results. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, collaborating with C-suite executives to align sourcing and quality initiatives with overarching corporate objectives.
We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of success within the complex, fast-paced environment of a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Your expertise will be the cornerstone of our client’s supply chain resilience and a key enabler of their future success. If you are a strategic, results-driven, and inspirational leader with a passion for supply chain excellence and automotive innovation, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Sourcing & Supplier Quality with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
The VP of Sourcing & Supplier Quality will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation from the supply base.
Global Sourcing Strategy Development
Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global sourcing strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals. This includes developing robust commodity strategies, optimizing the supply base, and ensuring supply chain resilience against geopolitical and economic volatility.
Cost Management & Reduction
Lead all cost reduction and containment initiatives related to purchased materials and services. Drive year-over-year productivity savings through strategic negotiations, value analysis/value engineering (VAVE), and should-cost modeling without compromising quality or delivery.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers globally. Establish a formal SRM program to drive supplier performance, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring suppliers are treated as partners in growth.
Supplier Quality Assurance Leadership
Establish and enforce the gold standard for supplier quality across the organization. Champion a zero-defect mindset and ensure rigorous adherence to automotive quality management systems, including IATF 16949.
Advanced Quality Planning (APQP)
Oversee the supplier APQP and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for all new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes. Ensure flawless launches by proactively identifying and mitigating risks early in the development cycle.
Supplier Performance Management
Develop and deploy a robust supplier performance management system using key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, delivery, and cost. Implement a supplier scorecard system and conduct regular business reviews to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the global supply chain. Develop contingency plans for critical components and suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and protect the company from disruptions.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of sourcing, procurement, and supplier quality professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Set clear objectives and manage team performance to achieve departmental and corporate goals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, and Finance. Ensure seamless integration of sourcing and quality strategies with product development roadmaps, manufacturing processes, and financial targets.
Contract & Negotiation Excellence
Personally lead high-stakes negotiations for major contracts and agreements. Ensure all supplier contracts have favorable terms that protect the company’s interests regarding cost, quality, intellectual property, and liability.
Technology & Process Improvement
Drive the adoption of best-in-class procurement and quality management tools and technologies. Champion digitalization initiatives to improve efficiency, data analytics, and visibility across the supply chain.
Requirements for the VP, Sourcing & Supplier Quality with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with deep domain expertise in the automotive supply chain. This role demands a unique blend of strategic vision, technical acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and/or supplier quality within the automotive industry. Crucially, this experience must include significant time spent working directly for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity, managing global teams and multi-billion-dollar spend, is essential.
Technical Expertise in Quality Systems
Expert-level knowledge of automotive quality standards and core tools is non-negotiable. This includes deep, practical experience with IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA. Proven experience implementing and managing these systems across a global supplier base is required. Familiarity with Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) standards is expected.
Strategic Sourcing Acumen
Demonstrated success in developing and executing global commodity strategies, leading complex negotiations, and achieving significant cost savings. Strong understanding of global market dynamics, raw material trends, and total cost of ownership (TCO) principles.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead and inspire large, geographically dispersed teams. A track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Must possess exceptional executive presence and the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including the C-suite.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills
Superior analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make sound, strategic decisions. A data-driven mindset combined with experience in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma).
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and strategy, present complex information to executive audiences, and build strong, collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience working with international suppliers and managing global supply chain complexities. Willingness and ability to travel globally as required (approximately 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTI) that rewards strategic success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Includes robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to support work-life balance.
Executive Perks
Includes benefits such as an executive car allowance and opportunities for continued professional development and executive coaching.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. We are actively reviewing candidates who meet the qualifications outlined above. If you are a transformative supply chain leader ready to make a significant impact at a world-class automotive company, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please explore our Industrial & Manufacturing practice area. We look forward to connecting with you.
