Supplier Performance Agent

Supplier Performance AgentPurposeThe Supplier Performance Agent (SPA) is the critical tactical bridge between Cox Machine's internal production flow and the supplier's shop floor. The SPA does not monitor from a distance; they operate "shoulder to shoulder" with vendors to proactively eliminate bottlenecks before they manifest as line stops.Acting as a "performance catalyst," the SPA is responsible for ensuring that every Purchase Order (PO) translates into physical, flight-ready parts, hardware or material through direct site intervention.The Supplier Performance Agent supports Leadership and is responsible for all aspects of the Supplier Performance. This is accomplished through collaboration in a team environment with suppliers to clear roadblocks, coordinate recovery plans, and ensure alignment to drive execution.Education and ExperienceProfessional Experience in Aerospace Supply Chain, Procurement, or Quality Assurance with a focus on manufacturing environmentsResponsibilitiesPosition ResponsibilitiesThe SPA operates under a "tactical recovery" mandate, shifting the organization from reactive failure reporting to the proactive investigation of "why" supply chains fail.Key ResponsibilitiesMitigating Operational Risk: Execute Supplier Readiness and load-versus-capacity evaluations per to identify bottlenecks before they impact the Master Production Schedule (MPS).Leading Site Validations: Conduct on-site deep dives to expedite critical parts at critical suppliers to clear all roadblocks and ensure zero disruption.Work with the supplier to establish a back to PO plan through lines of balance and daily follow upDeveloping Recovery Plans: Evaluate shortages and implement Transfer of Work (ToW) or constraint-based scheduling. This includes leading projects to move tooling to more capable vendorsCoordinating Corrective Actions: Facilitate the 8D/Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) process. Per SOP-971, the SPA enforces a 10-day requirement for formal written cause and corrective action (CAR) responses and a 21-day response time for Preventive Action (PAR).These responsibilities demand an uncompromising adherence to the regulatory environment and technical quality standards.Lead the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and Health, Safety and Environmental risksFacilitate the escalation of unresolved supplier quality issues within assigned projects and suppliersSupport new product launches to ensure that supplier quality meets the required standardsProvide concise, complete and accurate documentation of inspection results relative to area of responsibility.Provide training, learning and development where appropriate with suppliersPartner with other departments to ensure the adherence to the Quality Management System and other compliance requirementsCollaborates with operations, leaders, purchasing, customer service and others to efficiently meet customer demand.Support the Quality Manager to monitor and report on supplier product quality and performanceLeads the outside process receiving inspection team to close the loop on supplier issuesExcellent verbal and written communication skills to interact and deal with internal customersInspects and evaluates products for quality and defects during source inspectionProvide visibility to supervision of potential quality issues, as well as input on internal perceptions associated with Quality and Delivery performance.Performs other related duties, as requiredTasks/SkillsWhile data is the catalyst, the "Human Factor" is the primary driver of supply chain agility. The SPA must function as a partner and liaison.Integrity & Ethics: Upholding a human-centric approach to quality by auditing supplier competency to ensure every shop-floor employee understands the gravity of their work regarding product safety.Stress Tolerance: Maintaining composure and decisive action during production-impacting shortages, where failure to deliver results in delays.Collaborative Persuasion: Aligning internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Production) with external supplier capacity to facilitate performanceHas the capability to troubleshoot complex and questionable inspections by asking the right questions to get to the root cause of the problemAbility to work in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and shifting time requirements.Makes decisions based on customer/regulatory requirementsAbility to effectively communicate in small and large group environmentsConfer with organizational team members at all levels to discuss issues, coordinate activities or resolve problems.Act as liaison between organization and outside organizations.Work closely with divisional leadership to accomplish supplier improvement activitiesPerform source inspection onsite at the supplier as requiredComplete supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier advanced product quality planning (APQP)The SPA role is a high-visibility, high-mobility position that bridges the gap between the professional office environment and the supplier's shop floor.Operational RealityTravel: High-frequency travel requirements ranging from 10% to 20% depending on assignment and the criticality of the supplier location.Physical Demands: Frequent walking through supplier facilities to observe production flow. Occasional lifting of parts and materials (20-50 lbs per Cox standards), along with repetitive movement and prolonged sitting for digital reporting and analytics.Communication Hierarchy: Direct, high-frequency contact with the Director of Quality, Purchasing leadership, and supplier management teams Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-02