Job Summary
You will work directly with all suppliers supporting the Desford facility, strengthening their processes, improving quality outcomes, and ensuring alignment with Caterpillar standards. Your work with the global Purchasing Category teams will focus on implementing effective improvement plans, process controls, reducing defect rates, and building strong, collaborative relationships across the supply base.
Responsibilities
* Lead immediate containment actions to protect production and customers, and drive structured root‑cause investigations using tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams, and DMAIC.
* Support suppliers in implementing corrective and preventative actions, improving process capability, and developing robust quality‑assurance plans that deliver sustainable improvements, including on‑site verification as necessary.
* Monitor trends in supplier quality issues (PPM, defect types, repeat issues); lead improvement projects with chronically under‑performing suppliers and support supplier audits when quality performance concerns arise.
* Assess supplier components against engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards, using appropriate inspection and evaluation methods to identify risks early.
* Review manufacturing practices, process controls, and quality systems, confirming compliance with Caterpillar requirements and identifying improvement opportunities.
* Interpret engineering prints, electrical and hydraulic schematics, and technical information to assess capability, validate audit findings, and support effective quality decisions, particularly within electrical assembly or paint.
* Communicate clearly and professionally with urgency when required, adapting style for both technical and non‑technical audiences and presenting audit findings and quality insights in a concise, actionable way.
* Lead structured problem‑solving activities independently, applying recognised tools to identify root causes and implement robust corrective actions.
* Apply experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions: review documentation, understand non‑conformities, and ensure compliance with customer and internal requirements.
* Drive supplier performance by setting expectations, monitoring compliance, addressing gaps, evaluating process capability and quality-system maturity, and influencing improvement while maintaining strong and accountable supplier relationships.
Qualifications / Experience
* Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements within manufacturing environments; ability to identify compliance gaps and support suppliers in meeting regulatory and operational expectations.
* Confidence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical schematics to validate product and process suitability and support quality activities.
* Knowledge of AIAG quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC).
Benefits & Compensation
Contract: Full Time. Annual leave: 27 days plus bank holidays. Bonus opportunity: up to 10% purchase and sale. Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar doubles your contribution up to 10%. Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar matches 50% of your contribution. Optional flexible benefits including dental, health & vision care plans and an EV car lease.
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