• Conduct supplier audits to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and compliance with APQPprocesses. • Lead capacity and risk assessments at supplier sites, defining and implementing mitigation plans to meet capability and delivery targets. • Lead APQP activities, including Onsite PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and process capability planning, to ensure product quality from design to production. • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier issues using methodologies like 8 D, Red X Shainin, Six Sigma, or Lean to minimize defects (including travel to affected Rheem plants and suppliers as necessary). • Support supplier process certification (e.g., Pro Cert) and Early Production Containment for new product introductions (NPI). • Collaborate with suppliers to enhance on-time delivery through capacity planning, process optimization, and inventory management. • Coach suppliers in Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5 S, Kanban) to optimize...