At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch quality from suppliers and drive improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading defence sector company committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, life insurance, and more perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality while travelling across the UK.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Quality Management; experience in Supplier Quality Engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for assuring the quality of products and services supplied by external suppliers, ensuring full compliance with organisational, customer, and regulatory requirements. You will drive supplier quality performance through effective quality management processes, audits, supplier development activities, and cross‑functional collaboration.
This is a pivotal role in protecting the integrity of the supply chain and ensuring that end products consistently meet the high standards expected by customers and stakeholders, particularly within a regulated defence environment.
The role requires significant travel across the UK (approximately 60%). While it reports to the Operational Quality Manager based at the Portsmouth site, the position could also be suited to an individual located in the North of the UK to better support travel requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supplier Quality Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality management systems and processes.
- Establish and communicate supplier quality standards, specifications, and quality plans.
- Ensure supplier compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
2. Supplier Evaluation and Selection
- Evaluate and support the selection of suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service performance.
- Conduct supplier capability assessments and approval activities.
- Manage material quality for Stainless Steel, Aluminium, and Carbon Steel supply chains.
3. Audits Inspections
- Plan and conduct supplier audits and manufacturing process assessments.
- Perform product and process inspections including dimensional, trial, final, and FAIR inspections.
- Identify, document, and manage non‑conformances, driving effective corrective and preventive actions.
4. Supplier Development
- Work in partnership with suppliers to improve quality performance and capability.
- Provide technical guidance, quality support, and training where required.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
5. Quality Metrics Reporting
- Monitor, analyse, and report supplier quality performance (e.g. defect rates, on‑time delivery).
- Prepare quality performance reports for internal stakeholders and senior management.
- Use data‑driven insight to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
6. Collaboration Communication
- Work closely with Procurement, Engineering, Production, and Operations teams.
- Clearly communicate quality expectations, requirements, and feedback to suppliers.
- Act as the quality escalation point for supplier‑related issues.
7. Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve supplier quality processes, systems, and performance.
- Stay current with industry best practice, standards, and regulatory developments.
Education Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline or equivalent apprenticeship qualification - CSWIP 3.0 / 3.1 / 3.2 to BS EN ISO 17637.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Substantial experience in Supplier Quality Engineering or a closely related role.
- Proven experience working within the defence sector.
- Strong understanding of defence regulatory requirements, including: DEFSTAN, DEFCON, QASOR.
Technical Skills Knowledge
- Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9102.
- Supplier auditing, assessments, and corrective action management.
- Visual welding inspection, NDT, VT.
- PCN Level 1 and/or AWS certification.
- Creation and interpretation of ITPs, MITPs, QCPs.
- Experience with Stainless Steel, Aluminium, and Carbon Steel fabrications.
- Ability to read and interpret 3D models, DWF, STEP files, and PDFs.
- Proficiency in quality tools and systems (e.g. Minitab, SAP QM).
- Familiarity with ERP and MRP systems.
Certifications (Desirable)
- AS9100 / ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.
- Six Sigma or other recognised quality improvement certifications.
Skills and Attributes
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
- Confident, clear communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Assertive, resilient, and adaptable to change.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Collaborative team player who actively contributes and coaches others when required.
- Commercially aware with an understanding of how quality performance impacts production and customer fulfilment.
- Committed to health, safety, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Welcomes and promotes diversity and inclusion.
Travel Requirements
UK‑based role with regular supplier visits. Approximately 60% travel / 40% office based.
Other Requirements
- Candidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.
- Candidates must have passed UK security clearance to the Security Check level or be able to obtain this level. To gain SC clearance will normally require a candidate to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
Benefits
Along with competitive salaries, CMS2 offers a great benefits package that includes life insurance, a generous leave allowance and more.
Supplier Quality Engineer in Hampshire employer: CMS2 - Critical Maritime Systems & Support
As a Supplier Quality Engineer at our Portsmouth site, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards in a regulated defence environment. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous improvement and professional growth, offering extensive travel opportunities across the UK and a comprehensive benefits package including life insurance and generous leave allowances. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
CMS2 - Critical Maritime Systems & Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Engineer in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in quality engineering or the defence sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of quality management systems and supplier evaluation processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to supplier audits and compliance to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! As a Supplier Quality Engineer, communication and collaboration are key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles tailored to your skills and experience, making it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Engineer in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in quality management systems and supplier evaluations, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality engineering and how your background fits with our needs. Don't forget to mention any relevant experience in the defence sector – it’ll make you stand out!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on supplier quality performance. We love seeing data-driven results that show how you’ve made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to take the next step in your career with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMS2 - Critical Maritime Systems & Support
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with the key quality management systems relevant to the role, such as ISO 9001 and AS9100. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous roles, especially in a regulated environment like defence.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Evaluation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've evaluated and selected suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance. Highlight any specific tools or methodologies you used, and be ready to discuss your approach to conducting supplier audits.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked closely with teams like Procurement, Engineering, or Operations. Be ready to share how you communicated quality expectations and resolved supplier-related issues effectively.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to talk about how you've identified opportunities for improvement in supplier quality processes. Share specific examples of initiatives you've led or contributed to that resulted in measurable enhancements in quality performance.
