At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a global supplier quality team to enhance supplier performance.
- Company: Fortress Safety, a leader in machinery safety with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days holiday, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global supply quality and drive business growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality leadership and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
If you’re ready to take ownership of supplier quality on a global scale and shape a resilient, future-focused supply base, this is a role where your expertise can make a visible and lasting impact. This opportunity sits at the heart of operational excellence, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and business growth.
At Fortress Safety, you’ll join a business with deep expertise, global reach, and a clear purpose. Fortress Safety has been a specialist in machinery safety and interlocking since 1977, protecting people and equipment in hazardous environments worldwide, with headquarters in Wolverhampton and operations across the USA, Europe, Australia, China, and India.
This is more than a supplier quality role. It is an opportunity to lead, influence, and strengthen a global supply network that supports ambitious business growth. Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, the Supplier Quality & Compliance Manager leads the development and performance of a resilient global supply base, with responsibility for end-to-end supplier quality — from supplier selection and approval through to supplier development, risk management, and continuous improvement.
You will work across a global network and combine technical expertise, leadership, and close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen supplier capability, support new product introduction, and resolve issues effectively.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead and develop a small global supplier quality team across the UK and China, supporting ambitious business growth.
- Define, implement, and continuously improve global supplier quality processes, including supplier evaluation, supplier approval, and NPI and/or change activities.
- Lead supplier-related issue management and resolution, including problem definition, containment, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
- Partner closely with Procurement to support strategy development, category management, and supplier relationship management.
- Drive innovative approaches to risk assessment and mitigation, responsible sourcing and compliance, and the management of supply chain shortages and disruption.
- Travel within the UK and internationally as required.
Why this role matters:
This role plays a critical part in ensuring consistent delivery of conforming materials, strengthening supplier capability, and building a resilient global supply base that can support growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for a strategic and hands-on quality professional who can lead teams, build strong supplier partnerships, and drive continuous improvement in complex manufacturing environments.
Essential experience, knowledge, and capability:
- Demonstrable experience developing and leading Supplier Quality teams, with proven impact in progressive or high-growth environments.
- Broad expertise across Supplier and Manufacturing Quality, including component engineering, with the ability to support customer and third-party audits such as compliance, certification, and management systems.
- Proven capability in supplier risk assessment and mitigation across business, design, quality, manufacturing, testing, and sustainability considerations.
- Strong understanding of quality systems and product lifecycle processes, including QMS/EMS-type frameworks and core tools such as APQP, PPAP, MSA, and control planning.
- Hands-on experience in electronics and mechanical manufacturing environments, with strong problem-solving capability across production and supply chain, including root cause analysis, failure analysis, and corrective actions.
- Practical knowledge of key commodities and manufacturing processes, including mechanical components such as castings, machining, and plastics, plus electronics including PCBs, semiconductors, and assemblies.
- Familiarity with assembly and test processes such as SMT, box build, traceability, and ESD/IPC standards.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary of £55,000–£60,000.
- Company bonus scheme.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension with employer contribution up to 10.5%.
- Annual Halma share vesting scheme.
- Life assurance cover.
- Bike to work scheme.
- Eyecare.
- Airport parking discounts.
- Long service recognition.
- Hybrid working pattern with 3–4 days in the office.
Inclusion and belonging:
At Fortress, difference is celebrated and the business is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to let the team know.
Apply now:
If you are an experienced supplier quality leader who thrives in global manufacturing environments and wants to shape supplier performance, quality, compliance, and resilience at scale, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to explore how you can make an impact with Fortress Safety.
Supplier Quality Manager in Birmingham employer: Fortress Safety
Fortress Safety is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Wolverhampton, where you can lead and influence a global supply network while enjoying a hybrid working pattern. With competitive salaries, a robust bonus scheme, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives, Fortress Safety fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in supplier quality management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Manager in Birmingham
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Fortress Safety, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supplier Quality Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Fortress Safety. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Fortress Safety and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Safety
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Fortress Safety.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Fortress Safety
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Fortress Safety might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
