Supplier Support Outsource Analyst

Company Overview Nifco America, Corp. is a leading global supplier of plastic fasteners, serving diverse industries such as automotive, electronics, telecommunications, home appliances, office equipment, and fashion. Renowned for designing and manufacturing custom injection molded plastic components and assemblies, Nifco is committed to innovation and quality in supply chain solutions.

Job Summary:

The Supplier Support Outsource Analyst supports external automotive supplier partners to ensure full readiness and sustained performance across new product launches and outsourcing program transfers. This role serves as the primary point of contact for supplier engagement, focusing on proactive readiness planning, issue prevention, and execution support. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Project Management, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Corporate Purchasing to align supplier capabilities with program milestones. This includes coordinating tooling and assembly tryouts, confirming PPAP readiness (as required), and internal system setup (master data/Oracle). The role drives supplier readiness by ensuring risks are identified early, mitigated effectively, and communicated clearly to protect launch timing, quality, and delivery performance. As a leader within this organization, they are to adhere to the Nifco NA Leadership Commitment as stated; "I set the standard by prioritizing Safety, Quality, and Culture. As a steward of WH2, it is my responsibility to model these principles. My role requires that I build strong customer relationships and respond proactively to their needs; lead change initiatives to improve efficiency and adaptability; promote collaboration, transparency and accountability across the organization; and develop my team members through mentorship and constructive feedback. By striving to lead in this manner, I position the organization for sustainable growth and profitability."

Essential Functions:

Act as the primary supplier support lead, building strong relationships while ensuring suppliers are prepared to meet launch and production expectations.

• Drive end-to-end supplier readiness activities (kickoffs, key contacts set up, escalation paths, communication cadence) and align timing to program milestones and launch gates.

Lead supplier readiness across all build phases as applicable (prototype, pilot, validation, and production ramp up), ensuring deliverables, timing, and capacity are aligned including closure of open actions. Proactively assess and track supplier readiness risks along with open issues, including tooling, capacity, quality systems, and logistics, and drive timely resolution. Cross functional support to monitor tooling, equipment, and build readiness, ensure progress, document tryout results, and track corrective actions to support successful launch execution. Ensure suppliers are prepared for PPAP, packaging, labeling, and logistics requirements, driving compliance with all launch standards and communicating with cross functional team members. Support supplier data readiness as needed (ERP/EDI setup, item master, sourcing data) to support seamless procurement, shipping, and receiving processes. Support supplier transitions and outsourcing activities, ensuring readiness through proper planning, asset tracking, and documentation handoffs.

• Support and track RFQs and new model quotes (piece price, tooling, and lead time) in Supplios and ensure timely submissions of outsource requests, clarifications, and approvals.
• Provide regular launch readiness status updates to the Corporate Purchasing Manager; maintain a launch risk/issues log and escalate constraints with recommended countermeasures.
• Support special projects and continuous improvement activities as it relates to supplier support.

Support special projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Skills & Competencies Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to align expectations, drive closure, and resolve issues with automotive suppliers professionally. Detail-oriented and analytical Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mindset Working knowledge of automotive launch requirements. Experience coordinating launch build phases and ensuring supplier deliverables are met to support SOP and ramp-up. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfortable working in ERP/SRM systems (e.g., Oracle), and supplier quoting tools (e.g., Supplios). Self-starter with strong follow-through; able to manage multiple suppliers/projects, support launch timing, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to standardize and streamline supplier-support processes; comfortable documenting standard work and implementing improvements. Collaborative and customer-service oriented; able to navigate escalations, align cross-functional teams (SQE/Quality, Engineering, Logistics, Plant), and maintain productive supplier partnerships.

• Ability to work in the USA without sponsorship.
• Travel required up to 50% domestic and/or international

Pay:

Up to $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person