Company Description

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. is an industry-leading innovation company focused on creating smarter, safer and more beautiful homes and improving lives. Our driving purpose is that we elevate every life by transforming spaces into havens. We believe our work and our brands can have incredibly positive impacts for not just our business and shareholders, but for people and the planet, too. When you join Fortune Brands, you become part of a high-performing team who are empowered to think big, learn fast and make bold decisions. We support an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone is encouraged and empowered to be their authentic selves, and where our differences and unique perspectives are a key strength. Explore life at Fortune Brands here

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer will work with Commodity Managers, Logistics, New Product Development, and plant quality teams to insure supplier performance across the organization. 

Position location: This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule based out of Deerfield, IL. Effective mid-2025, Fortune Brands will transition to a new world-class campus in Deerfield, bringing together associates from across our U.S. offices, brands, and functions. The campus will offer vibrant workspaces for collaboration, along with amenities for dining, onsite daycare, fitness and recreation.

RESPONSIBLIITIES:

Supplier EvaluationEvaluate potential suppliers’ capabilities through detailed assessments, including production capacity, quality control systems, certifications, and financial stability.Conduct on-site visits to understand suppliers' infrastructure, processes, and adherence to quality and Code of Conduct standards.Use tools like questionnaires, audits, or supplier self-assessments to gather relevant information.Supplier AssessmentPerform systematic, periodic audits to assess supplier compliance with company standards and industry regulations.Develop audit checklists that focus on processes like material traceability, defect handling, and corrective action implementation.Follow up on audit findings to ensure timely closure of non-conformities.Component & Product Qualification (Non-Water Business)Conduct detailed qualification processes for first article inspections (FAIs), PPAP, and trial production runs.Develop qualification criteria based on specific project or product requirements.Supplier Performance MonitoringTrack supplier performance metrics like defect rates, NCR, and responsiveness to issues.Analyze trends using statistical tools such as control charts and Pareto analysis to identify performance patterns.Provide suppliers with performance feedback, including KPIs and areas of improvement.Quality Assurance CollaborationPartner with suppliers to establish and implement quality assurance frameworks, ensuring consistent product quality.Define quality standards, test criteria, and acceptance levels for incoming materials and components to support the Supplier Quality Inspection team in ensuring compliance and quality assurance.Process ImprovementCollaborate with suppliers to refine their processes for better efficiency and quality outcomes.Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce waste, variability, and defects in supplier processes.Issue ResolutionUse structured problem-solving approaches (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, or Fishbone diagrams) to identify the root cause of supplier-related quality issues.Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to address problems and prevent recurrence.Ensure timely communication of issue resolutions to all stakeholders.Supplier DevelopmentConduct training workshops or sessions for suppliers to educate them on quality standards, best practices, and compliance requirements.Establish long-term relationships by helping suppliers upgrade their capabilities to align with company goals.Data AnalysisInvestigate quality issues by collecting data and analyzing trends to pinpoint failure points in the supplier's processes.Work with suppliers to develop comprehensive reports and implement corrective measures.Risk AssessmentUse tools like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to predict and mitigate potential issues.Compliance ManagementEnsure suppliers adhere to regulatory requirements such as ISO standards, Code of Conduct, or specific industry certifications.Communicate and enforce compliance with company policies and product-specific quality expectations.Material ReviewSupport the review and disposition of non-conforming materials from suppliers, including rejection, rework, or acceptance with deviation.Work closely with manufacturing teams to minimize disruptions caused by material defects.Documentation and ReportingMaintain detailed records of supplier evaluations, audit results, performance metrics, and corrective actions.Provide management with regular updates through detailed reports, highlighting key issues and achievements.Collaboration with Internal TeamsAct as a liaison between internal teams (e.g., Sourcing, GDP, and manufacturing) and suppliers to ensure alignment of expectations.Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss supplier-related challenges and strategic initiatives.Inspection StandardsDevelop inspection and testing criteria specific to each supplier and product type.Define acceptable quality levels (AQLs) and ensure consistent application of these standards.Continuous Improvement InitiativesDrive or support supplier-led continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs, defects, and lead times.Share best practices and success stories from other suppliers to encourage improvement.Supplier Scorecard DevelopmentCreate supplier scorecards to assess and rank suppliers based on criteria quality performance.Use scorecards as a basis for supplier recognition, development programs, or, if necessary, disengagement.Cost of Quality ManagementCalculate and monitor the cost of poor quality (COPQ) associated with supplier defects, including rework, scrap, and production downtime.

QualificationsMinimum of 3+years of directly related experience within a quality/manufacturing environmentBachelor’s Degree (B.S.) with an emphasis in supply chain / business / engineering or relevant experience preferredExperience with APQP processAbility to read and understand engineering drawingsProficient in Microsoft Office, with emphasis in Excel, Word, and PowerPointStrong analytical, communication, and organizational skillsAbility to travel up to 25% of time

Additional Information

Fortune Brands believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is Hiring Pay Range: $63,000 USD - $95,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, or a role-based sales incentive plan.

At Fortune Brands, we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering comprehensive, competitive benefits that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing and provide flexibility for our teammates’ unique needs. This includes robust health plans, a market-leading 401(k) program with a company contribution, product discounts, flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays per policy), inclusive fertility / adoption benefits, and more. We offer numerous Employee Resource Groups to support inclusivity and our associates’ feeling of belonging at work.

Fortune Brands is a brand, innovation and channel leader focused on exciting, supercharged categories in the home products, security and commercial building markets. Our portfolio of brands includes Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, SpringWell, Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Master Lock, SentrySafe and Yale residential.

Fortune Brands is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois and trades on the NYSE as FBIN

Equal Employment Opportunity:

FBIN is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations:

FBIN is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Resumes submitted to this email address will not be responded to.

To protect yourself from fraudulent job postings or recruitment scams, please note that FBIN job postings are exclusively hosted on our careers page at www.fbin.com/careers>.