Supplier Relationship Manager
Quasar Medical | Medical Device Manufacturer, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
JOB SUMMARY
The Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) is responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing strategic supplier relationships to ensure quality, continuity of supply, performance, cost effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. This role serves as the primary liaison between Quasar Medical and key suppliers, working cross-functionally with Category Management, Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Procurement to support both development and commercial manufacturing programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills to effectively manage supplier engagements across various departments and ensure alignment with the organization's strategic goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Act as a primary regional escalation point of contact for assigned strategic and critical suppliers
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships aligned with Quasar Medical’s business objectives
Monitor and report on supplier KPIs including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and risk
Work with Global Sourcing Category Management to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance
Conduct and / or participate in Supplier Business Reviews (SBR) with suppliers to ensure business performance is monitored and actions are taken to drive continuous improvement
Quality & Compliance
Partner closely with Quality and Supplier Quality Engineering to ensure suppliers meet FDA, ISO 13485, and applicable regulatory requirements
Support supplier qualification, audits, and re-qualification activities
Lead supplier corrective action (SCAR) processes and drive root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions
Risk Management & Supply Continuity
Identify and assess supplier risks (quality, capacity, financial, geopolitical, etc.)
Develop and propose mitigation and contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply
Commercial & Operational Collaboration
Collaborate with Category Management on contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and cost-reduction initiatives
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and supplier onboarding for development and scale-up programs
Coordinate with PMO and Engineering on technical changes and process improvements
Manage contract maintenance/ renewals and amendments
Support supplier-led innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
Identify and report opportunities to improve supplier collaboration, communication, and overall performance
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES NA
EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
5+ years of experience in supplier management, procurement, or supply chain within medical devices, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing
Requires experience in supply chain management, leadership, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving and communication
Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills and ability to effectively communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Requires effective verbal and written communication skills
Requires project management skills and ability to adapt to plans and priorities to address business needs
Travel up to 25% Domestic or International
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred
Strong knowledge of FDA and ISO 13485 supplier requirements
Proven experience managing supplier performance and corrective action processes
Key Competencies Strategic thinking with strong execution skills
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners
High attention to detail with a strong quality mindset
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Act as a primary regional escalation point of contact for assigned strategic and critical suppliers
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships aligned with Quasar Medical’s business objectives
Monitor and report on supplier KPIs including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and risk
Work with Global Sourcing Category Management to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance
Conduct and / or participate in Supplier Business Reviews (SBR) with suppliers to ensure business performance is monitored and actions are taken to drive continuous improvement
Quality & Compliance
Partner closely with Quality and Supplier Quality Engineering to ensure suppliers meet FDA, ISO 13485, and applicable regulatory requirements
Support supplier qualification, audits, and re-qualification activities
Lead supplier corrective action (SCAR) processes and drive root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions
Risk Management & Supply Continuity
Identify and assess supplier risks (quality, capacity, financial, geopolitical, etc.)
Develop and propose mitigation and contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted supply
Commercial & Operational Collaboration
Collaborate with Category Management on contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and cost-reduction initiatives
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and supplier onboarding for development and scale-up programs
Coordinate with PMO and Engineering on technical changes and process improvements
Manage contract maintenance/ renewals and amendments
Support supplier-led innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
Identify and report opportunities to improve supplier collaboration, communication, and overall performance
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES NA
EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
5+ years of experience in supplier management, procurement, or supply chain within medical devices, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing
Requires experience in supply chain management, leadership, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving and communication
Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills and ability to effectively communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Requires effective verbal and written communication skills
Requires project management skills and ability to adapt to plans and priorities to address business needs
Travel up to 25% Domestic or International
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred
Strong knowledge of FDA and ISO 13485 supplier requirements
Proven experience managing supplier performance and corrective action processes
Key Competencies Strategic thinking with strong execution skills
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners
High attention to detail with a strong quality mindset
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
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