Supplier Quality Engineer

Company Description

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. is an industry-leading innovation company focused on creating smarter, safer and more beautiful homes and improving lives. Our driving purpose is that we elevate every life by transforming spaces into havens. We believe our work and our brands can have incredibly positive impacts for not just our business and shareholders, but for people and the planet, too. When you join Fortune Brands, you become part of a high-performing team who are empowered to think big, learn fast and make bold decisions. We support an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone is encouraged and empowered to be their authentic selves, and where our differences and unique perspectives are a key strength. Explore life at Fortune Brands here

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer will work with Commodity Managers, Logistics, New Product Development, and plant quality teams to insure supplier performance across the organization. 

Position location: This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule based out of Deerfield, IL. Effective mid-2025, Fortune Brands will transition to a new world-class campus in Deerfield, bringing together associates from across our U.S. offices, brands, and functions. The campus will offer vibrant workspaces for collaboration, along with amenities for dining, onsite daycare, fitness and recreation.

RESPONSIBLIITIES:

• Supplier Evaluation
  • Evaluate potential suppliers’ capabilities through detailed assessments, including production capacity, quality control systems, certifications, and financial stability.
  • Conduct on-site visits to understand suppliers' infrastructure, processes, and adherence to quality and Code of Conduct standards.
  • Use tools like questionnaires, audits, or supplier self-assessments to gather relevant information.
• Supplier Assessment
  • Perform systematic, periodic audits to assess supplier compliance with company standards and industry regulations.
  • Develop audit checklists that focus on processes like material traceability, defect handling, and corrective action implementation.
  • Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely closure of non-conformities.
• Component & Product Qualification (Non-Water Business)
  • Conduct detailed qualification processes for first article inspections (FAIs), PPAP, and trial production runs.
  • Develop qualification criteria based on specific project or product requirements.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring
  • Track supplier performance metrics like defect rates, NCR, and responsiveness to issues.
  • Analyze trends using statistical tools such as control charts and Pareto analysis to identify performance patterns.
  • Provide suppliers with performance feedback, including KPIs and areas of improvement.
• Quality Assurance Collaboration
  • Partner with suppliers to establish and implement quality assurance frameworks, ensuring consistent product quality.
  • Define quality standards, test criteria, and acceptance levels for incoming materials and components to support the Supplier Quality Inspection team in ensuring compliance and quality assurance.
• Process Improvement
  • Collaborate with suppliers to refine their processes for better efficiency and quality outcomes.
  • Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce waste, variability, and defects in supplier processes.
• Issue Resolution
  • Use structured problem-solving approaches (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, or Fishbone diagrams) to identify the root cause of supplier-related quality issues.
  • Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to address problems and prevent recurrence.
  • Ensure timely communication of issue resolutions to all stakeholders.
• Supplier Development
  • Conduct training workshops or sessions for suppliers to educate them on quality standards, best practices, and compliance requirements.
  • Establish long-term relationships by helping suppliers upgrade their capabilities to align with company goals.
• Data Analysis
  • Investigate quality issues by collecting data and analyzing trends to pinpoint failure points in the supplier's processes.
  • Work with suppliers to develop comprehensive reports and implement corrective measures.
• Risk Assessment
  • Use tools like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to predict and mitigate potential issues.
• Compliance Management