At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier quality performance and ensure compliance in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in sustainable air travel innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on the future of aviation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
An exciting role has arisen for a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer. Although this role will be site based the position requires regular travel to meet with suppliers. The successful candidate will be regularly monitoring the quality performance of suppliers, perform reviews and take actions depending on the cause of any problem (such as assessments, problem solving activities etc) to secure continuous compliance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and communicate product and system requirements to suppliers, ensuring robust qualification plans (FAI / PPAP) and on time delivery of compliant product.
- Provide leadership in managing supplier quality performance, acting as liaison for complex issues, and guiding SQEs on best practice and structured problem solving.
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering, process experts and suppliers to ensure full understanding of requirements and supplier capability.
- Oversee supplier quality planning and risk management activities, including APQP and PPAP execution.
- Review and communicate Supplier First Article submissions, coordinating with design organisation SQEs as required.
- Maintain frequent supplier engagement to monitor progress, communicate expectations, and drive performance improvements.
- Analyse supplier quality performance, identify systemic issues, and lead structured improvement activities.
- Lead and support supplier non-conformance and escape management, including RCA, containment, corrective actions and 8D reviews.
- Participate in supplier work transfer evaluations and ongoing monitoring.
- Conduct or follow up supplier assessments and capability evaluations.
- Support concurrent engineering activities between GKN and suppliers, including input on design for manufacture.
- Support cost engineering and cost reduction initiatives by collaborating with suppliers and internal technical teams.
- Provide leadership in supplier feedback processes and continuous improvement activity.
- Travel regularly within the UK and internationally to engage with suppliers, lead assessments and resolve quality concerns.
What You’ll Bring
Essential- Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Skilled in root cause analysis, 8D methodology and continuous improvement.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace quality requirements (AS9100, NADCAP, customer standards).
- Solid understanding of PPAP, APQP and AS13XXX standards.
- Highly organised with the ability to work independently and lead others effectively.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, guide and support stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
- Knowledge of aerospace products, manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Leadership strengths such as coaching, recognition, constructive feedback and team support.
- Experience in supplier quality roles within aerospace or similarly regulated industries.
- Experience in managing cross functional technical projects and supplier development activity.
- Target-oriented and outgoing with good communication skills.
What We’ll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%).
- Up to 15% company bonus - individual and company performance related.
- Life Assurance 8 x salary.
- 25 days holiday + bank holiday.
- Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle To Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
Senior Supplier Quality Engineer employer: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to sustainability and diversity, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that protect our planet and support global democracies. The company provides competitive salaries, generous benefits including a leading pension scheme and flexible working hours, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking rewarding opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Contact Details:
GKN Aerospace Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Supplier Quality Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at GKN Aerospace on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into GKN's projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for sustainability and innovation in aerospace!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role involves root cause analysis and structured improvement activities, we suggest running through some scenarios or case studies to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the GKN family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Supplier Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Quality:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for quality engineering! Share specific examples of how you've tackled quality challenges in the past and how you can bring that experience to GKN Aerospace.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Use keywords from the job description, like 'root cause analysis' and 'supplier quality performance', to show that you're a perfect fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your achievements are easy to understand. This will help us quickly see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 makes tracking your application super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace Services Limited
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with aerospace quality requirements like AS9100 and NADCAP. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show that you understand the industry's expectations and can ensure compliance.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used root cause analysis and 8D methodology in past roles. Highlighting your experience in structured problem-solving will demonstrate your capability to tackle complex supplier issues effectively.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. Strong communication skills are essential for liaising with suppliers and guiding teams, so be ready to showcase your ability to influence and support stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Think of instances where you've led projects or teams, particularly in supplier quality roles. Emphasising your leadership strengths, such as coaching and providing constructive feedback, will set you apart as a candidate who can drive performance improvements.
