Supplier Quality Engineer Full Time

Key Responsibilities:

• The Supplier Quality Engineer is a strategic role that works collaboratively with our supply partners to ensure efficient and effective delivery of conforming goods into our business. This supplier facing role is a catalyst for driving improvements throughout the value-chain from the source of supply, through to the receipt of goods into storage. The role shall provide a service that is tailored to meet the needs of the business whilst striving to eliminate inefficiencies. The incumbent will forge strong relationships with key stakeholders in order to deliver the business objectives on-time, in-full and by demonstrating exemplary, company-aligned behaviours. The role shall enable the planned purchase demands to meet programme needs, within budget, and harmonise Supplier Quality Assurance activities.
• Leading the development and implementation of best-practice Supplier Quality vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures, ensuring that our systems, processes and practices are compliant with customer, regulatory and safety requirements. Provide clear direction and leadership for Supplier Quality Assurance activities across the business and ensure the team continues to work collaboratively with suppliers, programmes, engineering, supply chain and associated stakeholders, both within and between entities.
• Leading, inspiring and managing the Supplier Quality management and Receipt Inspection teams by demonstrating exemplary values, principles and behaviours that align with the business, to the effect of achieving business and mission goals and objectives. Raise the quality profile and maintain a reputation of integrity
• Driving a safety-first mindset across the business, empowering Supplier Quality Assurance team members to responsibly address concerns.
• Driving a culture of Supplier Quality excellence, innovation and achieving efficiency through effective management of ‘our ways’ of working and embedding a desire for improvement. Leading zero defect (ZD), Continuous Improvement (CI), Six Sigma, and/or Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) initiatives etc within the Supply Chain with support from Quality Improvement teams.
• Adopt a risk-based approach that is backed by intelligence and sound data; ensuring conformity to our certified management systems, establishing/maintaining effective performance management and reporting mechanisms and delivering on programme commitment
• Training, developing, monitoring and evaluating team performance; improving engagement activities and productivity. Identify current and future skills gaps in respect to the needs of the business, ensuring the team are best positioned for growth and close gaps through forward planning, effective budgeting and performance management
• Managing the Supplier Quality audit program ensuring all programmes, products and associated processes receive due consideration, are in alignment with existing certifications, and are proactively developed to meet the needs of the business
• Planning and forecasting associated cost account and ensure it is appropriately managed within approved limits and agreed goals.
• Working closely with respective stakeholders to procure and deliver right first time, every time. Ensuring effective deployment of resources to support the programme lifecycle from bid through to disposal.
• Acting as supplier quality representative for all escalated Supplier Quality Assurance concerns, and conducting and directing appropriate tasks as instructed by line management

Preferred Minimum Qualifications: 

• Minimum: Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) ‘Member’ grade or above, Bachelor’s Degree in  Mechanical / Aeronautical engineering discipline.
• Preferred: Post Graduate  degree in Engineering with QMS  Certification in Quality, auditing qualifications (e.g. AS9100 / ISO9001 lead auditor, etc.), APQP (AS9145) training.

Preferred Experience: 

• Minimum: 7+ years of experience in quality assurance, Supply Chain management or similar roles in an industrial environment with 5+ years leading quality teams in complex supply chains that include Aeronautical Explosives, mechanical ,  electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing and design environment
• Preferred: 6+ years of experience in Defence industry with substantial regional and cultural exposure.