Supply Chain Quality Lead in Warrington

Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm's length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK's energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.

The Supply Chain Quality Lead plays a vital role in leading the drive for quality with the supply chain for GBE-N as the developer of a small modular reactor (SMR) power station. You will work closely with the GBE-N project team and internal stakeholders, as well as our extended supply chain to ensure that we appoint suppliers which support our drive for right first time delivery within our programme. Your work will directly contribute to improving safety, performance, and reliability across the SMR programme. The role is part of the Safety Licensing and Assurance Directorate Quality team.

Please note, Warrington will be the primary base location; however, there will be an expectation of occasional travel to and on-site work at Wylfa. The role operates on a hybrid working basis.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• To ensure the IPT plans for delivering Products and Services right first time meet requirements every time and drive the 'Elimination of Waste' and reduce the 'Cost of Quality' through:
• Work with other parts of the project team to develop a supply chain quality strategy and supply chain quality requirements for the project team.
• Conduct assessments upon potential suppliers to determine the effectiveness of their quality programme to meet the needs of GBE-N.
• Support the onboarding of new suppliers to ensure they are able to understand our approach to Quality and Nuclear safety, this will include developing a supplier brief to be used in the onboarding process.
• Conduct supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier advanced product quality planning (APQP).
• Lead supplier development strategy, designing the metrics for the function and supplier performance.
• Promote the use of customer preferred techniques for continuous improvement such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Develop the Supply chain quality IMS documents.
• Conduct investigations, as required, into supply chain non-conformance.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in relation to supply chain quality and supplier onboarding.
• Collaborate with other UK Nuclear Industry groups engaged with supply chain quality improvement work and implement continuous improvement.
• Undertaking investigations and implement effective root cause analysis (and enable the identification of corrective actions).
• Conduct periodic second party audits upon the supply chain to evaluate continued performance and report on a periodic basis.
• Support GBE-N in the implementation and continued conformance with ISO9001, 14001, & 45001 and conduct internal management systems audits as part of the wider quality team.
• Provision of Quality related training to equip the business with the skills to drive improvements in Quality performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Proven experience in a Supply Chain Quality role.
• Extensive experience in the UK Nuclear sector.
• Extensive Knowledge and experience of working to UK and international standards and codes of practice for the UK Nuclear sector.
• Quality subject matter expertise and proven track record in Quality Management, and Supply Chain Quality.
• Experience of working in a construction environment, with Mechanical, Civil and electrical knowledge.
• Confident in working with Senior Management and able to challenge existing ways of working to support business improvement.
• Ability to build strong relationships with delivery teams and project managers.
• Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma.
• Competent user of modern office computer systems (e.g. Microsoft Office).
• Great attention to detail and ability to see things through to completion.
• Is a self-starter who manages their own time and seeks to add value to their function.

Qualifications:

• It is essential to hold at least one of the following qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science topic.
• A formal qualification in Quality Management e.g. Diploma in Quality Management (UK Chartered Quality Institute, British Standards Institute or equivalent).
• Preferably trained ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and/or Internal Auditor with experience of ISO14001 & 45001.
• Either a CQI Member or working towards membership.

Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.

At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us and we will be happy to provide assistance.