Supplier Continuous Improvement Lead

Position

Supplier Continuous Improvement Lead

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.

We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all.

If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

• A Supplier Development Lead is responsible for backlog optimization and cash conversion; will lead initiatives to analyze, prioritize, and resolve aging backlog issues in our aerospace engine integration processes. This role focuses on transforming delayed orders, excess inventory, and production bottlenecks into cash-generating outcomes through lean methodologies, supply chain enhancements, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in aerospace manufacturing, operational excellence, and financial acumen to drive measurable improvements in backlog reduction, on-time delivery, and working capital efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify root causes of aging backlog, including supply chain disruptions, integration delays, and quality issues in engine assembly and testing.
• Lead cross-functional teams (operations, supply chain, finance, engineering) to prioritize high-value backlog items, expedite fulfillment, and negotiate with suppliers or customers for accelerated resolutions.
• Optimize inventory management by assessing obsolete or slow-moving parts, implementing liquidation tactics (e.g., discounting, repurposing, or secondary market sales), and integrating predictive analytics for demand forecasting.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles to streamline integration processes, reduce waste, and improve throughput, targeting a 20-30% reduction in backlog aging within the first year.
• Collaborate with finance to model cash conversion cycles, track key metrics (e.g., days sales outstanding, inventory turnover), and report on progress to executive leadership.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, OEM partners, and regulatory bodies (e.g., FAA), to mitigate external factors contributing to backlog.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, digital tools (e.g., ERP enhancements, AI-driven scheduling), and continuous improvement programs like Kaizen events.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100) while balancing speed-to-cash initiatives with safety and quality priorities.
• Mentor junior staff and build a culture of operational excellence focused on backlog management.
• Work with the whole value stream on key programs with growth opportunities to improve.
• Deploy as required to suppliers and various PW sites where needed.

Supply Chain Management aspects:

• History of customer facing interaction
• Familiarity with MRP, Production Scheduling, Delivery estimation, Risk analysis, Crisis mitigation, and sub-tier supplier involvement
• Experience with warehousing, shipping and distribution
• Assessing Supplier Health / Supplier Development

Procurement Aspects

• Knowledge of purchasing and quoting processes
• Evaluating production capacity in a manufacturing environment
• Planning of Material / Inventory / Tool / Buffer stocks

Manufacturing Aspects

• History (breadth and depth) with manufacturing processes
• Ability to read/interpret drawings including…