Supplier Development Specialist
Blackline Safety · Calgary
Our team at Blackline Safety is growing! As a people-driven technology company, with a mission to make sure every worker returns home safely, we drive innovation, practice resiliency, demonstrate leadership, go the extra mile for our customers, and empower our people to be their best.
The Supplier Development Specialist is responsible for optimizing supplier manufacturing performance following product qualification and production release. This role focuses on supplier process capability, production readiness, capacity validation, yield improvement, and ongoing supplier quality performance.
Working closely with suppliers and internal operations teams, the Supplier Development Specialist drives continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen activities, root-cause analysis, and process optimization. The role serves as the primary escalation point for complex incoming quality issues and supports long-term supplier quality and operational excellence.
Reporting to the Supplier Quality Manager, the Supplier Development Specialist ensures suppliers consistently meet Blackline Safety expectations for quality, delivery, capacity, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Performance Management
- Monitor supplier quality performance, process capability, yield, and defect trends.
- Drive supplier process capability improvements through the implementation of SPC, process monitoring, and continuous improvement methodologies, increasing Cpk performance and reducing process variation.
- Lead complex supplier quality investigations using 8D, root cause analysis, and Lean methodologies, implementing sustainable process improvements that eliminate recurring defects and improve manufacturing performance.
- Drive closure and effectiveness verification of supplier corrective actions.
- Support supplier scorecard development and performance reviews.
- Production Readiness & Capacity Validation
- Lead supplier Run-at-Rate validations to ensure manufacturing capacity and throughput can support current and future Blackline Safety demand requirements.
- Verify supplier readiness to support production demand and future growth requirements.
- Assess manufacturing bottlenecks, process constraints, and risk areas.
- Recommend improvements to increase supplier throughput and stability.
- Yield Improvement & Process Optimization
- Lead yield improvement initiatives at supplier facilities.
- Conduct on-site and virtual process reviews and Kaizen events to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve supplier performance.
- Drive reduction of defects, scrap, rework, and process variation.
- Incoming Quality Escalations
- Serve as the escalation point for complex incoming quality control (IQC) issues.
- Support root cause investigations involving suppliers, Operations, and Engineering teams.
- Lead containment, corrective action, and preventive action implementation.
- Coordinate with suppliers to rapidly resolve production-impacting quality concerns.
- Supplier Audits & Development
- Perform supplier audits focused on production controls, quality systems, process capability, and operational effectiveness.
- Develop supplier improvement plans based on audit findings and performance data.
- Build collaborative supplier relationships focused on continuous improvement.
- Drive the development of our dock-to-stock program
- Operational Quality Support
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations teams to improve internal yield and supplier-driven quality performance.
- Analyze quality data to identify recurring issues and improvement opportunities.
- Drive sustainable process improvements across the supply base.
About You
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience driving process improvement and troubleshooting in manufacturing environments, including injection molding, die casting, stamping/sheet metal fabrication, and coating processes.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in supplier management, supplier development, or supplier quality engineering.
- Demonstrated experience implementing process improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments.
- Proven ability to resolve complex tooling, process, and mechanical compatibility issues directly within supplier manufacturing operations.
- Strong root-cause analysis and corrective action skills.
- Ability to travel to supplier facilities approximately 10–20% of the time.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Manufacturing certification.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Experience conducting supplier audits.
- Experience with PCBA, SMT/SMD assembly, LCD display technologies (front-lit/backlit), RF systems, battery-powered products, and electro-mechanical devices is considered a strong asset.
- Experience utilizing manufacturing data for process capability and yield analysis.
Total Rewards
At Blackline Safety, we offer more than just a job—we offer a career with purpose. Our Total Rewards offerings are designed to support the diverse needs of our global workforce and vary based on employment type and location. They may include:
- Competitive base salary and annual compensation review
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits*
- Mental health and wellness support
- Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work model for eligible positions
- Paid vacation, personal and sick days*
- Professional development opportunities
- Education funding
- A collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture
- Exclusive access to perks and discounts
- A flexible ‘Dress for Your Day’ environment
*Eligibility and coverage vary by employment type and region.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Blackline Safety is powered by the diversity of our talented employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants, regardless of age, religion, race, color, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin, race, or sexual orientation. We enthusiastically encourage all individuals to apply for positions that fit their passions.
If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@blacklinesafety.com. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and equitable experience for all candidates.
Join Us
If you’re passionate about technology, safety, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build a safer, more connected world.
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