Senior Supplier Quality Specialist
Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £65k DOE
An element of UK and overseas travel
About the Role Join a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business where quality is at the heart of everything we do. As a Senior Supplier Quality Specialist, you will be a key driver in developing high-performing supplier partnerships that directly support product excellence, operational efficiency, and business growth. This is a cross-functional role that offers visibility, influence, and the opportunity to shape supplier performance standards across a global supply base.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the Supplier Audit Management Plan aligned with business priorities, ensuring risk-based scheduling, compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Champion the Supplier Quality Manual, maintaining all documentation in accordance with internal and regulatory standards.
* Oversee the Approved Supplier List (ASL), including scope of supply, qualification criteria, and periodic review protocols.
Performance Monitoring & Improvement
* Lead supplier performance reviews using data-driven techniques such as scorecards, KPIs, and trend analysis.
* Proactively manage non-conformance investigations using 8D, Ishikawa, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
* Drive timely closure of Corrective Actions, monitoring effectiveness and sustainability of improvements.
* Collaborate with suppliers on Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, integrating Lean and Six Sigma principles where applicable.
Operational and Project Support
* Support sourcing decisions and supplier capability assessments for New Product Introduction (NPI) and ongoing production needs.
* Conduct thorough on-site supplier audits, including quality system, process, and special process audits.
* Partner with purchasing, engineering, and operations teams to ensure supply chain readiness and risk mitigation.
Compliance and Audit Readiness
* Prepare and support the business during third-party audits (e.g. ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) with supplier-related evidence and documentation.
* Maintain full adherence to the Business Management System (BMS) and Quality Assurance (QA) frameworks.
Requirements
* Proven experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supply chain engineering within an advanced manufacturing or engineering setting.
* In-depth knowledge of quality tools (e.g. 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, PPAP).
* Hands-on experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development plans.
* Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
* Competent in managing quality metrics and supplier scorecards.
Desirable Qualifications
* Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 or equivalent)
* Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
* Familiarity with NPI and APQP processes
* Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and QMS platforms
What We Offer
* Clear progression path into strategic quality, supply chain leadership, or operations roles
* Involvement in key projects, including global supplier rationalisation and NPI launches
* A culture that values collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement
* Competitive salary package, professional development funding, and generous holiday allowance
Additional Expectations
* Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites as required (approx. 20%)
* Flexibility to support cross-functional tasks during periods of low departmental headcount
* Proactive mindset and strong stakeholder communication skills
Apply Now to join a company where your expertise will shape supplier performance, influence business success, and contribute to engineering excellence