Supplier Quality Engineering

Napoleon leads the way with innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, unsurpassed customer service and remarkable product quality. Our award-winning products offer a best-in-class experience for all customers’ home comfort needs. While we are proudly Canadian, Napoleon is also fortunate to operate on a world-wide scale.

The warmth and experience that Napoleon product brings to the homes of our customers transcends borders, language, and cultures to elevate everyday experiences, so you love being home. Throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Napoleon creates memorable moments through our stunning designs and innovative technologies.

This posting is for an existing permanent vacancy and is actively being recruited for.

Title: Supplier Quality Engineering

Reports to: Senior Manager - IMS & Quality Engineering

Location: 9 Napoleon Road, Barrie

Job Purpose: Qualify New Vendors for Stage gate (New Product Launches) and ECO (Engineering Change Orders – Supplier change) in collaboration with Purchasing. Investigate, analyze, and resolve supplier quality problems by conducting audits, analyzing defect trends, and leading continuous improvement projects to ensure existing vendors maintain their vendor grade or work with vendors to increase their current grade. Initiate, recommend, or provide solutions through designated channels and verify the implementation of those solutions. The SQE specifically deals with the Vendor and their quality program, not qualifying new products or parts through Stage Gate or changes to new products or parts as part of an ECO.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Aid New Product Development team in the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers selected by purchasing team as defined by the Stage Gate Process. Communicate engineering and manufacturing specifications to supplier technical teams.
• Monitor, communicate and improve key supply chain KPI’s, including Supplier OTD (On time Delivery), DPPM, Scrap, Cost of RMRs (Returns), SCARs, etc.
• Strategically lead supplier performance improvement projects to increase the supplier capability of consistently meeting Wolf Steel Ltd. Requirements, i.e. Vendor Scorecard. Projects may include process analysis, value stream mapping, process capability and throughput analysis, 6-Sigma, 5S and Kaizen events.
• Identify and record any problems relating to the product process and quality system at our vendors. Work with Purchasing and Planning groups to ensure supplier performance is regularly reported and that appropriate and timely corrective actions are implemented.
• Conduct supplier audits to drive process standardization, waste elimination, and continuous improvement. Maintain and update critical supplier audit system and schedule. Establish specific short- and long-term supplier quality goals.
• Initiate action, through Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) to prevent the occurrence of any non-conformities relating to product, process, and quality systems to drive “Zero Defect” mentality within the supply base. Follow up on Return Material Authorizations Report (RMR) and initiate supplier corrective action requests when needed.
• Champion problem solving and root cause analysis activities (SCARs) with suppliers to eliminate recurrence of non-conformances. Travel to supplier locations to resolve quality problems.
• Assure compliance to all applicable legal requirements pertaining to the environmental aspects and impacts. Work to help achieve the performance goals established in the environmental measurement areas to support ESG efforts. Offer suggestions that can lead to improved environmental performance whenever possible.
• Actively manage suppliers to ensure there are no regressions with the implementation of new processes. Aid in the new, probationary and rejected supplier transition processes. Work to resolve supplier technical issues in a timely manner to ensure continuity of supply.
• Develop long-term supplier relationships and generate and implement cost reduction ideas.
• Oversees the Supplier Quality activities and functions, working within our Global group of Napoleon Companies; this may include finished goods, outsourced accessories, and OEM products.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering field preferred, or 5+ years of Equivalent experience in progressive roles in a comparable manufacturing environment.
• 5 years’ experience with bachelor’s degree and / or ASQ Certifications, Experience with various quality system methodologies; 8D, Lean, 5 Why’s, Pareto Analysis, Six Sigma, DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, etc. preferred.
• ASQ CQE and/or CQA preferred; ISO Auditor designation an asset; CET or P. Eng an asset; valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office applications (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Project); EPR systems or Microsoft F&O; CAD software an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, work well with diverse groups of people at all levels and be able to function independently of direct supervision, strong problem solving and organizational skills. Accurate technical report writing skills, Mechanical Aptitude a must, Knowledge of Lean tools and principles, knowledge of product testing requirements, product development cycle, and special processes (Welding, Painting, Adhesion).
• Speaks English Fluently; Able to speak Mandarin and/or Spanish an asset.
• Must hold current passport and have the ability to travel abroad
• Responsible for Canada, US, Europe, China, Mexico and facilities abroad.

At Napoleon, we believe in creating an environment where our Associates can thrive personally and professionally. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

Benefits, Health, Well-being & Support  

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage – 100% of premiums paid by the Company!
• Long Term Disability Protection
• Well-being support programs and virtual medical visits
• Employee & Family Assistance Program for mental health and well-being (EAP)

Career Growth & Development

• Training Allowance and continuous learning opportunities and programs
• Leadership development and mentorship programs
• Clear pathways for advancement

Culture & Community 

• Appreciation events, raffles, and team building activities
• Napoleon Cares – A fund sponsored by Associates to help Associates in times of need

Financial Security 

• Competitive total compensation package, inclusive of bonus opportunity
• Retirement savings plan with matching Company contributions (RRSP/DPSP)
• Exclusive Associate discounts on our award-winning products

Annual salary: $68,400 - $94,050

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure: As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness in hiring, we disclose that automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), may be used to support parts of the recruitment process. This may include functions such as resume parsing, candidate ranking, or initial screening. These tools do not make final hiring decisions but may assist Talent Acquisition in evaluating applications. AI tools used may include systems based on algorithms, statistical models, or machine learning. 

The Napoleon Group of Companies is committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain Associates with disabilities. This includes providing accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle. Accommodation is available upon request.

We thank you for your interest in The Napoleon Group of Companies and for participating in our competition. Only those candidates selected for consideration will be contacted.