At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with suppliers to enhance quality and streamline processes at the Desford facility.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a leader in manufacturing with a commitment to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a global team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by improving supplier quality and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Management Systems and ability to interpret engineering drawings.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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).
Site Supplier Development Engineer employer: Caterpillar
Caterpillar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Desford facility where innovation and quality are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a strong culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that you can grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on supplier quality and performance. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee well-being, Caterpillar provides a rewarding career path for those looking to thrive in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Supplier Development Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to supplier development and quality management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've used tools like 8D or DMAIC to tackle issues. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to drive improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Supplier Development Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Site Supplier Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience with quality management systems and problem-solving tools like 8D and DMAIC, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your ability to read engineering drawings and technical schematics. We want to see how you can apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, especially when it comes to assessing supplier components.
Demonstrate Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Use examples that show how you've successfully presented findings or led discussions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar
✨Know Your Quality Tools
Familiarise yourself with the quality management tools mentioned in the job description, like 8D, 5 Why, and DMAIC. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to drive improvements and solve problems.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with suppliers in previous positions. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand Engineering Drawings
Brush up on your skills in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical schematics. Be prepared to explain how you’ve used this knowledge to assess product suitability and support quality activities in your past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've led structured problem-solving activities. Be ready to walk through your thought process and the tools you applied to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
