1. Job PurposeTo manage and improve supplier quality performance by ensuring that all raw materials,bought-out components, machined parts, fabricated assemblies and railway-specificcomponents supplied to the organization meet approved drawings, technical specifications,quality standards and customer requirements.The role involves supplier development, supplier audits, incoming quality control, vendorperformance monitoring, corrective and preventive actions, and coordination with internaldepartments and railway customers.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Supplier Quality Management Develop, evaluate and approve suppliers based on technical and quality requirements. Conduct supplier quality audits and process capability assessments. Monitor supplier performance through quality ratings, rejection rates and deliveryperformance. Identify critical suppliers and implement supplier improvement plans. Ensure suppliers comply with ISO 9001 and applicable railway quality requirements. Develop alternative suppliers for critical components.B. Supplier Process Audit & Development Conduct supplier process audits, system audits and product audits. Evaluate manufacturing processes such as:o CNC machining and conventional machining.o Sheet metal fabrication and welding.o Forging and casting.o Heat treatment and surface treatment.o Painting, plating and coating.o Rubber, plastic and electrical component manufacturing. Verify process control plans, inspection plans, PFMEA and work instructions. Monitor implementation of audit observations and corrective actions.Job Description - Assistant Manager (Supplier QualityAssurance - SQA)Page 2 of 4C. Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Ensure inspection of incoming materials and components as per approved drawingsand specifications. Review material test certificates (MTC), test reports and inspection certificates. Ensure dimensional, visual, functional and performance inspections. Coordinate third-party inspection wherever required. Control non-conforming materials through rejection notes, segregation and suppliercommunication. Ensure proper traceability of materials, batch numbers and heat numbers.D. Railway Quality & Compliance Ensure compliance with applicable RDSO specifications, Indian Railway standardsand customer-specific requirements. Coordinate supplier-related inspections and documentation for RDSO, railwaycustomers and nominated inspection agencies, wherever applicable. Ensure compliance with approved drawings, QAP, ITP and technical specifications. Maintain inspection records and product traceability. Ensure suppliers use approved raw materials and manufacturing processes. Support customer and regulatory audits.E. Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Handle supplier rejection, customer complaints and quality failures. Initiate Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR). Perform root cause analysis using:o 5 Why Analysiso Fishbone Diagramo 8D Problem Solvingo Pareto Analysis Monitor implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions. Drive zero-defect initiatives with suppliers.F. Quality Documentation & Systems Maintain supplier quality records and documentation. Prepare and review:o Supplier Quality Plans.o Inspection and Test Plans (ITP).o Quality Assurance Plans (QAP).o FMEA and Control Plans.o Supplier Audit Reports.o Material Inspection Reports.o Non-Conformance Reports (NCR).o Corrective Action Reports (CAPA). Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.Job Description - Assistant Manager (Supplier QualityAssurance - SQA)Page 3 of 4G. Cross-Functional Coordination Coordinate with Purchase, Production, Stores, Engineering, Design and Qualitydepartments. Participate in new product development and supplier part approval. Ensure supplier quality readiness before mass production. Support customer inspections and quality-related discussions.3. Required Technical SkillsArea Required knowledgeEngineering drawings GD&T, tolerances, surface finishInspection Vernier, micrometer, bore gauge, CMMQuality tools 7 QC tools, 8D, 5 Why, FMEAManufacturing Machining, fabrication, welding, castingQuality systems ISO 9001:2015Railway standards RDSO specifications and applicable IRSstandardsDocumentation QAP, ITP, MTC, NCR, CAPASupplier audit Process and system audits4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)The Assistant Manager - SQA will be evaluated based on:KPI Suggested targetSupplier rejection PPM Reduction by 20-30% annuallyIncoming rejection rate Less than 1%Supplier audit completion 100% as per planSCAR closure Within 30 daysSupplier corrective action effectiveness Above 95%Repeat supplier complaints Zero major repeat issuesSupplier development Minimum 2 suppliers/quarterIncoming inspection compliance 100%Targets should be finalized according to the company's product mix and current qualityperformance.Job Description - Assistant Manager (Supplier QualityAssurance - SQA)Page 4 of 45. Experience & Competencies 5-8 years of experience in Supplier Quality Assurance in an engineering ormanufacturing company. Experience in railway, automotive, heavy engineering or industrial equipmentmanufacturing preferred. Strong knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes. Experience in supplier audits and supplier development. Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. Good communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage a team of incoming quality inspectors.6. Key Deliverables1. Improved supplier quality and reduced incoming rejection.2. Approved and capable supplier base.3. Effective supplier audit and development system.4. Zero repeat supplier-related quality issues.5. Compliance with railway customer and RDSO requirements.6. Improved supplier process capability and reliability.