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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier quality initiatives and ensure top-notch standards.
- Company: Join a dynamic engineering firm focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values quality and fosters strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality management and a passion for excellence required.
- Other info: This role includes both UK and international travel.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
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 excellence
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Senior Supplier Quality Specialist employer: Terry Parris Associates
Contact Detail:
Terry Parris Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Supplier Quality Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and standards in supplier quality management. This will not only help you understand the expectations of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, especially those involved in supplier quality. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive improvements, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with them. Being able to articulate this connection during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Supplier Quality Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Supplier Quality Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous experience in supplier quality management or related fields. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully developed supplier partnerships and improved quality standards.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include any technical skills or certifications that are relevant to the role, such as knowledge of quality management systems or experience with audits. This will help you stand out as a qualified candidate.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Mention why you want to work with this engineering and manufacturing business and how you can contribute to their quality initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terry Parris Associates
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to understand the company's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a Senior Supplier Quality Specialist, expect technical questions related to quality assurance processes and supplier management. Brush up on relevant methodologies and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in supplier quality management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company's quality initiatives and future plans. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also invested in the company's success.
