Supplier Quality & Development Jobs at APTIV – Hiring for EDS Dharuhera (Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager)

Supplier Quality & Development Jobs at APTIV, a global leader in advanced automotive technologies, is hiring experienced professionals for the role of Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager – Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) at its EDS plant in Dharuhera, Haryana. This is an excellent opportunity for quality and supplier development specialists who have strong technical expertise and a passion for building world-class supplier capabilities.

About the Role

The Supplier Quality & Development function plays a critical role in strengthening APTIV’s supply chain by developing suppliers, driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance to global automotive standards, and securing flawless part quality for ongoing and new production programs.

This position is suitable for candidates who have hands-on experience in rubber and plastic molding processes, strong command over IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and a proven track record of driving supplier performance improvements.

📌 Job Details

• Position: Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager – Supplier Quality & Development
• Location: Dharuhera, Haryana
• Industry: Automotive (EDS Division)
• Experience Required: 8–10 years
• Qualification: BE/B.Tech – Mechanical preferred
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Role
• Domain Exposure Preferred: Rubber & Plastic Molding Processes

🌟 Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Evaluation & Capability Assessments

Conduct detailed audits, process capability checks, and feasibility studies for new and existing suppliers to ensure long-term competency and compliance.

2. Supplier Upgrading & Development

Lead structured development programs to enhance supplier capability, process stability, and adherence to automotive quality standards.

3. PPAP & Run-at-Rate

Manage end-to-end PPAP approvals, including documentation, sample validation, and Run-at-Rate confirmation for new and modified components.

4. APQP Execution

Drive APQP activities in alignment with program milestones, ensuring flawless launch of new parts.

5. Early Production Containment (EPC)

Implement EPC controls and conduct technical risk reviews to prevent defects in early production stages.

6. Implementation of IATF 16949

Ensure strict deployment of IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements at supplier locations, with regular monitoring and compliance checks.

7. Coaching on Core Tools

Train suppliers on critical quality tools including:

• APQP
• PPAP
• FMEA
• SPC
• MSA

8. Supplier Complaint Management

Lead root cause analysis, implement robust CAPA, and ensure timely closure of complaints using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, etc.

9. Supplier Performance Monitoring

Track and report key KPIs such as PPM, OTD, audit scores, and improvement progress on a monthly basis.

10. Cross-Functional Coordination

Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams for strategic improvements and cost optimization projects.

11. Localization & Supplier Onboarding

Support new supplier identification, approval, and localization initiatives to improve cost competitiveness.

12. Layout Inspections

Ensure suppliers provide layout reports on schedule and drive continuous improvements to achieve dimensional accuracy.

13. 4M Change Management

Monitor and approve 4M changes at sub-supplier level to prevent unapproved process deviations.

14. Product & Process Audits

Conduct periodic audits and implement corrective actions for enhanced process capability.

15. Driving Poka-Yoke & Kaizens

Promote mistake-proofing and continuous improvement practices at supplier plants.

✔ Required Skills & Certifications

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and CQI standards
• Proficiency in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D, 5 Why
• Experience in rubber/plastic molding processes (preferred)
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification is an added advantage
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills
• Exposure to Tata Motors & MSIL quality standards (preferred)

🎓 Educational Qualification

• BE/BTech – Mechanical, Electrical, Production, or Industrial Engineering
• Master’s degree or additional quality certifications are a bonus

🚗 Additional Information

• Frequent travel to supplier locations is required
• Exposure to global OEM quality systems is desirable

📩 Interested candidates can message directly or email their updated CV to:
deepika.bodhare@aptiv.com

📝 Top 10 Interview Questions & Answers for SQD Role

1. What is the importance of APQP in supplier development?

Answer: APQP ensures structured planning, risk identification, and flawless launch of new components. It aligns supplier readiness with project milestones and prevents quality issues during SOP.

2. Explain the PPAP levels.

Answer: There are 5 levels of PPAP ranging from Level 1 (Part Submission Warrant only) to Level 5 (on-site PPAP verification). Level selection depends on customer requirements and part criticality.

3. What is the difference between Cp and Cpk?

Answer: Cp measures process potential assuming the process is centered. Cpk measures actual process capability considering how close the mean is to the target.

4. How do you handle repeated supplier quality complaints?

Answer: Re-evaluate root cause, verify CAPA effectiveness, increase monitoring frequency, deploy Poka-Yoke, and conduct a deep process audit at the supplier.

5. What is VDA 6.3 audit?

Answer: It is a process audit standard widely used by German OEMs. It evaluates process capability, risk, and maturity across the entire value chain.

6. What is Early Production Containment?

Answer: EPC is a temporary control used during initial production stages to catch potential defects before shipment, ensuring stable quality until full process capability is achieved.

7. Explain 4M change management.

Answer: It tracks changes in Man, Machine, Material, Method to prevent unauthorized deviations that may impact product quality.

8. What tools do you use for root cause analysis?

Answer: 8D method, 5 Why, Fishbone diagram, FMEA cross-check, and data analysis techniques such as SPC and trend charts.

9. What are common challenges in plastic molding parts?

Answer: Shrinkage, warpage, flash, sink marks, burn marks, and dimensional instability due to temperature/material variations.

10. How do you improve supplier PPM levels?

Answer: Conduct capability studies, eliminate special causes, deploy Poka-Yoke, coach supplier teams, implement strict inspection plans, and track progress monthly.