Job Title: Supplier Quality Specialist Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey Job Type: Permanent 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 Supplier Quality Governance & Strategy * 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 Essential Experience & Skills * 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 excellent