Job Title: Head of Supplier Quality (Edgewing)
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will immediately be assigned to our Edgewing HQ in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment if required, dependent on certain criteria being met. Due to the nature of this assignment, we envisage there will be a need for mostly on site working, however, flexible working arrangements may be possible – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role
Salary: £64,000+ depending on experience with executive benefits
What You’ll Be Doing
* Support the Quality Director with support of other functional stakeholders, define the supplier approval/qualification process (system, special processes and product) and the supporting framework.
* Assure the management and maintenance of the Joint Venture’s (JV’s) Supplier approval List.
* Ensures the coordination, with the support of the other functions involved, of the qualification process of the first supply product (Pre-Production Verification, First Part Qualification, First Article Inspection, First Article Configuration inspection);
* Ensures the development of quality requirements to be transferred to suppliers on the basis of contractual requirements.
* Ensures the evaluation and approval of the suppliers’ Quality Plan
* Ensures the preparation and management of the risk-based assurance Program on suppliers and the monitoring of the implementation of any corrective actions.
* Ensures the development of supplier quality indicators and the activation, where necessary, of the initiatives envisaged for the recovery of supplier quality performance.
* Ensures the support to Customers during audits of company suppliers and monitoring the implementation of corrective actions.
* Ensures the development, in collaboration with other functions involved, of the Operational Documentation relating to the application of the QMS for the Purchasing process.
* Report supplier performance data to top management.
* Ensure the quality of the products/services delivered by Suppliers
Essential
Your skills and experiences:
* Proven experience directing and managing an international supply chain strategy developing a new portfolio of suppliers
* Exceptional team management capability, leading, directing and supporting a global team.
* Adequate knowledge of the supply chain management with knowledge of organisational Business Management Systems
* Ability of understanding/managing internal/external quality requirements, standards, and regulations, especially for supplier quality
* Experience with project managing the implementation and ongoing supplier quality
* Knowledge of defining and utilising Key Performance Indicators to highlight Quality risks and vulnerabilities
Benefits
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Team
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up — setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we’re united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence – uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 23rd October 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.