At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop suppliers and products, ensuring they meet customer requirements while driving quality improvements.
- Company: Join a leading company committed to quality and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £30/hr PAYE, mostly remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel across the UK and Europe, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supplier quality and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality engineering and familiarity with APQP/PPAP tools required.
Due to increased workload, we're recruiting a Supplier Quality Engineer to join the VPI Supplier Quality team supporting the Darlington site. This is an almost fully remote contract role with rare onsite requirements at the Darlington plant.
Contract end date: 31/12/2026 (extension possible)
Rate: £30p/hr PAYE /£40p/hr Umbrella
Travel: May be required to supplier sites across the UK and mainland Europe.
The Role
You'll use strong quality and technical skills to develop suppliers and products that meet customer requirements, working closely with the external supply base, supply chain teams and engineering to drive results.
Key Responsibilities
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders (Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering) to improve quality and business outcomes.
- Support cross-functional supplier selection for components.
- Validate supplier manufacturing processes to meet engineering standards and customer requirements.
- Apply APQP, AIAG tools and internal quality tools to achieve zero defect performance.
- Drive continuous improvement using lean/six sigma methodologies.
- Conduct supplier audits for risk mitigation, readiness and performance improvement.
- Lead supplier quality issue resolution including root cause analysis, corrective actions and effectiveness verification.
Specific Responsibilities
- Create and monitor Source Releases; manage CQMS reporting and approvals.
- Provide onsite support for build quality issues (as required) and lead emerging quality process.
- Implement short-term containment (e.g., part sorting) and coordinate permanent fixes with suppliers/SQEs.
- APQP/PPAP support: manage metrics, trackers and monthly supplier reviews.
- Lead FIRGs (steps 3-7), drive RCA and closure in the RV&S system.
- Manage/report medium-ZDM components with SQEs.
Ideal Candidate
- Strong supplier quality engineering background (manufacturing/supply chain environment).
- Solid experience with APQP / PPAP / AIAG tools, audits, and structured problem-solving (RCA, corrective actions).
- Comfortable working remotely with occasional onsite and supplier travel.
Apply now to be considered for this long-term contract opportunity supporting major NPI/VPI activity in the region.
Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Engineer
✨Tap into Local Networks
Freelancing in the manufacturing-production sector is all about connections. Get yourself involved in local industry meetups or trade fairs — you never know when you'll bump into someone who needs a skilled hand on their next project.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Build a portfolio that highlights your past projects and any unique solutions you've crafted. Use platforms like Behance or even your own website to display your work. An excellent online presence will get you noticed by companies like Gi Group looking for freelance talent.
✨Leverage Industry Forums and Online Communities
Join forums and online communities tailored to manufacturing and production. Platforms like Reddit or specific LinkedIn groups can be great for finding freelance gigs as well as connecting with potential clients.
✨Direct Outreach to Companies
Don’t wait for job postings — reach out directly to companies that interest you, like Gi Group. Send them a concise email introducing yourself and showcasing how you can help them with their upcoming production needs. It’s proactive and shows your genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a freelance gig in manufacturing-production, highlight any previous projects you've worked on. Showcase tangible achievements that demonstrate your skills in production efficiency or quality control. Employers love to see how you've made a positive impact in past roles!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any specialised certifications or training relevant to manufacturing, make sure to mention them! This can include safety certifications or technical skills. It not only shows your commitment but also reassures potential clients that you bring in-depth knowledge to your work.
Tailor Your Portfolio:A strong portfolio is key. Present samples of your work that align with the manufacturing projects you’re interested in. Include photos, reports, or even case studies that showcase your problem-solving ability and how you’ve improved processes. This will convince clients that you're the right fit for their needs.
Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:When applying, it’s super important to outline your availability and rates right from the start. Freelancers often juggle multiple projects, so being upfront about when you can start and what you charge helps set clear expectations with clients. Don't shy away from this – it helps you find the right gigs faster!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gi Group
✨Showcase Your Production Knowledge
When chatting with Gi Group, make sure you highlight your experience in manufacturing processes—especially any specific machinery or production techniques you've used. Being able to talk about the production line and how you’ve optimised processes will really resonate with them.
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
As a freelancer, your past work is your best advertisement. Be ready to present a detailed portfolio showcasing previous manufacturing projects you've worked on. Include outcomes, challenges solved, and the skills you applied. This will show Gi Group that you have the hands-on experience they’re after.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Manufacturing can get quite technical, so expect questions about specific tools and techniques. Brush up on the latest industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices, as Gi Group may want to know how you stay updated in this fast-paced environment.
✨Pitch Your Flexibility and Collaboration Skills
Freelancing often requires adaptability and good communication, especially on production sites. During your conversation, emphasise your ability to work with diverse teams and adapt to different project needs—Gi Group will appreciate a candidate who can jump right in and contribute.
