Global Supplier Strategy & Performance Lead (Supply Chain)

TL;DR

Global Supplier Strategy & Performance Lead (Supply Chain): Driving operational excellence and transformation across the external manufacturing and supply base with an accent on quality, delivery, capacity, and sustainability. Focus on deploying Lean manufacturing principles, leading complex recovery initiatives, and optimizing supplier ecosystems through structured problem-solving.

Location: Milwaukee, USA. This role requires 50%+ domestic and overseas travel to work directly on supplier shop floors.

Salary: $139,400 – $178,900

Company

hirify.global is a staffing and professional services firm specializing in STEM placements.

What you will do

• Define global KPIs, lead performance reviews, and establish governance models to hold suppliers accountable.
• Perform proactive supplier risk assessments and design long-term mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the full new product integration cycle from APQP/PPAP through process validation.
• Deploy Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, facilitating Kaizen events, VSM, and TPM.
• Conduct deep-dive root cause analysis (RCA) on quality and delivery failures to ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Coach supplier leadership teams to transition vendors into strategic partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Supply Chain Management.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in supplier development, quality, or plant-level manufacturing operations.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, and PPAP.
• Strong knowledge of complex manufacturing processes and capacity analysis.
• Ability to travel 50%+ (Domestic and Overseas).

Nice to have

• Experience with greenfield operations or large-scale outsourcing projects.
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership at supplier organizations without direct authority.
• Resilience in managing high-pressure recovery situations.

Culture & Benefits

• Major medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying assignments.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Statutory sick pay where required.
• Opportunity to lead high-visibility, global strategic initiatives.