Title:  Supplier Quality Specialist (m/f/d)

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts. 

Location: Kiefernweg Campus, Eschweiler, NRW, Germany (hybrid)

Reason for open role: Replacement

Contract details: Permanent, Full-Time

Travel Requirements: up to 20%

Start date: asap

Contact person: Katharina Steffens

Job Summary:

In this role you will be responsible for performing Supplier Quality activities associated with external suppliers. This role performs activities to ensure West supplier’s maintain compliance with West’s procedures and policies. You will interface with R&D, Sourcing, Design Quality, Regulatory and Operations Quality to drive improved supplier quality performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and successfully execute supplier management plans which will align to overall business objectives
• Maintain a strong collaborative partnership with external suppliers and cross-functional team members that facilitates organizational success for assuring high product quality and meeting business needs
• Monitor supplier performance including incoming failures, manufacturing yields and field failures to drive Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs)
• Works with suppliers, design engineers, supplier quality and purchasing on continuous improvement of supplier performance
• Evaluate potential new or future suppliers and supports supplier selection process with the cross-functional team
• Participate in cross-functional teams of design engineering and quality engineering to work with suppliers during product development and ensures agreement for manufacturable, cost-effective designs
• Approves components for use in products by driving Production Part Approval activities with the suppliers
• Supports Supplier evaluation, audit management and related records
• Supports the evaluation and development of Quality Agreements with suppliers
• Supports the improvement efforts on internal supplier processes

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science
• Minimum 5 years of quality related experience with preferred experience in pharmaceutical and/or medical device industry
• Experience working with suppliers and supplier engagement activities
• Knowledge of cGMP, cGDP, relevant ISO standards, medical device requirements and other international regulations
• Familiarity with MasterControl, SAP and working knowledge of statistical data analysis
• Fluent in English and German
• Thorough understanding of validation activities and risk management principles and techniques
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Negotiation skills and collaborating with suppliers
• Ability to work under high volume production and fast changing environment
• Willingness to work in a cross-functional team with different time zones

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening.