Supplier Quality Representative

Acting at the Source of Problems

During a long-term assignment, the main challenge was clear: supplier nonconformities disrupting production.

Each issue followed the same pattern — delays, extra costs, and tension on the shop floor. It was time to act at the source.

So, I tackled the problem directly with the suppliers: audits, strict follow-up of nonconformities, implementation of corrective actions, and plenty of discussions (in French, English, and German).The goal wasn’t to “punish” but to encourage accountability.The result? Over 95% of non-quality costs were charged back to subcontractors and suppliers. More importantly, product quality began to rise again.

At the same time, I managed international projects involving multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. It wasn’t always easy to balance different cultures and expectations, but it was highly rewarding. Gradually, the impact became visible: fewer nonconformities, fewer production delays, and supplier relationships rebuilt on trust.

👉 What I’ve learned: When you address a problem at its root, the entire production chain becomes lighter, smoother — and you gain far more than by constantly “putting out fires” at the last minute.