Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing

Job summary

The specialist is responsible for conducting on-site supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing operations, quality systems, and overall operational readiness. They will identify supplier risks, support continuous improvement initiatives, and provide evidence-based recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Job details

SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE & READINESS ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST, MANUFACTURING Canada Full-Time, Remote NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches), Alexander Dennis (single and double-deck buses), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base in our buses and coaches around the world. Further information is available at www.nfigroup.com. POSITION SUMMARY: The Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment Specialist, Manufacturing is responsible for evaluating supplier manufacturing operations to determine whether they are stable, scalable, and capable of reliably supporting current and future production requirements. This is a unique opportunity to help establish and shape NFI's Supplier Excellence & Readiness Assessment program through the evaluation of supplier manufacturing operations, production systems, and execution readiness across NFI's global supply base. This role focuses on how suppliers actually execute on the shop floor, assessing production systems, scheduling practices, operational controls, capacity management, and overall manufacturing effectiveness. You will help identify operational risks and improvement opportunities before they impact supplier performance, delivery commitments, or future growth. WHY JOIN US: Be part of a team leading the world’s electrification of mass mobility Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibility Paid holidays and vacation Registered pension plan with generous company match Passionate about creating a better product, a better workplace, and a better world Inclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team members. On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment (we invested $15.9 million in 2024) Advancement opportunities within our family of companies We are proudly named one of Manitoba’s Top 25 employers. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Conduct on-site supplier assessments focused on manufacturing execution and operational performance Evaluate production planning, scheduling, level loading, and capacity utilization processes Assess plant layouts, workflow efficiency, material movement, and work-in-process controls Identify bottlenecks, production constraints, throughput limitations, and operational risks Review operational KPIs, visual management systems, and daily management practices Evaluate manufacturing process discipline, standard work adherence, and workforce training effectiveness Assess scalability of supplier operations during growth, demand fluctuations, and new product introduction Evaluate equipment readiness, maintenance practices, tooling availability, and reliance on overtime Identify systemic risks impacting quality, delivery, cost, and production stability Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve manufacturing performance and operational readiness. Support corrective action development and validation activities Contribute to overall supplier readiness evaluations and risk assessments WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL: 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations leadership, industrial engineering, production planning, or operational excellence Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, production scheduling, capacity planning, and factory operations Experience evaluating high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise Understanding of material flow, work-in-process (WIP) management, operational KPIs, and constraint management Experience supporting operational turnarounds, supplier recovery efforts, or manufacturing transformations is preferred Strong observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills Ability to quickly identify operational risks within complex manufacturing environments Excellent communication and report-writing skills Ability to travel up to 50% Salary Range: $140,000-$170,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications Standard Hours: 5 Days, 8 hours, Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM– 4:00PM OUR WHY: We exist to move people. Our mission is to design, deliver, and support market-leading bus and motorcoach solutions that are safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable. Our values—safety, quality, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and sustainability—are at the core of everything we do. NFI Group | We Move People - YouTube Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI offers a wide range of propulsion-agnostic bus and coach platforms, including market leading electric models. Through its low- and zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, arbocsv.com, and carfaircomposites.com.

What you’ll do

The specialist is responsible for conducting on-site supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing operations, quality systems, and overall operational readiness. They will identify supplier risks, support continuous improvement initiatives, and provide evidence-based recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

Candidates must have 7 to 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supplier quality, or industrial engineering. Proficiency in quality management systems, Lean manufacturing, and relevant industry standards like ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 is required.

Benefits

• Competitive wages • Comprehensive benefit package • Immediate benefit eligibility • Paid holidays • Paid vacation • Registered pension plan with company match • On-the-job training • Continuous learning environment

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Operational Excellence · Preferred
• Root Cause Analysis · Preferred
• Lean Manufacturing · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Manufacturing operations
• Supplier quality
• Quality systems
• Industrial engineering
• Operational excellence
• Supplier assessment
• Lean manufacturing
• Continuous improvement
• Operational risk assessment
• CAPA
• Root cause analysis
• PFMEA
• Control plans
• Process controls
• ISO 9001
• IATF 16949
• Report Writing
• Natural Gas
• Supplier Development
• Business Metrics
• Continuous Development
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Supply Chain Risk and Continuity Planning
• Supply Chain
• Accountability
• Workflow Management
• Resilience
• Process Failure Mode And Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
• Supplier Quality Management
• Production Planning
• Quality Management Systems
• Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards
• Auditing
• ISO 9000 Series
• Business Requirements
• Corrective And Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Capacity Utilization
• Change Management
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Electronics
• Scalability
• International Automotive Task Force
• Industrial Engineering
• Problem Solving
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Operations
• Manufacturing Processes
• Material Flow Management
• Operational Risk

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Logistics
• Transportation
• Management & Leadership
• Assessment Specialist
• Curriculum and Instructional Designer / Developer
• Education Methods Specialists
• Instructional Coordinators