Job Purpose:
The Supplier Quality Engineer will ensure suppliers meet the organisation’s stringent quality standards. This role focuses on supplier selection, assessment, and performance improvement using advanced quality methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean. The successful candidate will drive process improvements, perform audits, and foster strong supplier relationships to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and quality requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Supplier Selection & Assessment: Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on their ability to meet quality standards. Conduct formal supplier quality system assessments to baseline capabilities.
* Process Improvement: Utilize Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean, and other quality methodologies to drive supplier performance enhancements. Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address quality issues.
* Supplier Audits: Conduct audits of existing suppliers to evaluate quality systems, processes, and compliance with ISO 9001 standards and engineering specifications.
* Inspection & Testing Guidance: Provide technical guidance to the Goods In team to adjust inspection and testing protocols as needed to ensure product quality.
* Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, consultative relationships with global suppliers, providing guidance to ensure compliance with product/process standards and quality requirements.
* Data-Driven Decision Making: Apply process control tools and interpret engineering drawings to evaluate supplier processes and ensure adherence to specifications.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a quality engineering role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
* Proven experience conducting formal supplier quality system assessments and working with ISO 9001 quality systems.
* Familiarity with process control tools (e.g., Statistical Process Control, Control Charts).
* Ability to interpret engineering drawings and evaluate manufacturing processes.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently.
* Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally internationally.
Desirable Skills & Experience:
* Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent.
* Knowledge of Kaizen and/or Lean manufacturing principles.
* Experience conducting supplier audits.
Personal Attributes:
* Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
* Proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
* Ability to build trust and rapport with global suppliers.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
This role requires a proactive individual who thrives in a dynamic, global environment and is passionate about driving quality excellence through advanced methodologies and strong supplier partnerships