Supplier Quality Engineering Manager – Supplier Controls at Penumbra in Alameda, CA

Job description

General Summary We are seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineering Manager to help manage our Supplier Controls. This position is responsible for the effective execution, oversight, and continuous improvement of supplier quality processes and controls that support manufacturing operations and regulatory compliance. The manager will own key supplier quality processes, including Approved Supplier List (ASL) management, supplier onboarding and qualification controls, and supplier performance monitoring. This individual will ensure that established processes are consistently executed, appropriately controlled, and compliant with quality management system requirements while driving improvements that enhance efficiency, standardization, and operational effectiveness. The role will play an important part in modernizing supplier quality processes and systems, leveraging enterprise platforms and cross-functional partnerships to simplify workflows, strengthen controls, and improve how supplier quality activities are managed. The manager will also lead a dedicated team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting supplier quality operations and the needs of Operational Procurement across multiple manufacturing sites. The successful candidate will bring strong supplier quality engineering fundamentals, practical experience managing quality processes, effective people leadership, and a continuous improvement mindset. Primary Responsibilities Supplier Quality Controls • Own and manage supplier quality control processes, including ASL maintenance, supplier addition requests, supplier approval status, and associated supplier qualification controls. • Ensure supplier onboarding, approval, and qualification activities are executed consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with established risk-based requirements and quality management system procedures. • Maintain effective governance of supplier quality records, approval workflows, supplier status, and associated documentation to ensure traceability, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. • Establish and maintain standardized processes, clear accountability, and appropriate controls to ensure reliable execution and sustained compliance. • Monitor process effectiveness, address execution gaps, and drive improvements in process adherence, turnaround times, and operational efficiency. Supplier Quality Process Improvement • Drive the improvement and modernization of supplier quality processes to enhance efficiency, simplify workflows, strengthen controls, and support evolving business needs. • Improve the utilization and effectiveness of enterprise systems, including SAP, AssurX, TrackWise, and other applicable quality management platforms, to support supplier quality activities. • Partner with Quality Engineering leadership, IT, Quality Systems, and cross-functional stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities, define business requirements, and implement practical, sustainable solutions. • Support the transition of manual supplier quality activities to streamlined, electronically managed processes that maintain appropriate quality system controls and regulatory compliance. • Coordinate process changes, system implementation activities, validation support, and associated QMS documentation updates with appropriate functional stakeholders. • Ensure improvements are effectively implemented, adopted, and sustained through standardized practices, training, and ongoing process monitoring. Supplier Quality Performance Monitoring • Manage standardized processes for monitoring, tracking, and reporting supplier quality performance, including supplier nonconformances, corrective actions, supplier changes, and other established quality indicators. • Ensure supplier quality data is accurate, consistent, and accessible to support supplier performance evaluations, trend analysis, and management decision-making. • Collaborate with manufacturing sites to ensure consistent application of supplier quality