Supplier Quality Engineer

We have an opportunity to recruit a Supply Quality Engineer into an exciting and rapidly expanding organisation. This is a newly created role to support the organisation sub contract their machined parts and fabrications. The role will require someone who has the knowledge and experience to set up from scratch a supplier framework. You will also need to review and audit existing and new suppliers from a quality and H&S standpoint. Role Purpose The Supply Quality Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring that products and materials supplied by external vendors meet required quality standards. The SQE is responsible for qualifying new suppliers, conducting regular audits, and resolving quality issues during production. A key focus of this role is managing sub-contractors from a Health, Safety, and Environmental perspective, ensuring adherence to quality standards, accurate forecasting, and maintaining strong relationships. This position involves close collaboration with suppliers, engineering teams, and other departments to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products. Key Responsibilities: Evaluate and approve new suppliers and sub-contractors ensuring they meet company standards for safety, quality, capability, and capacity. Conduct on-site evaluations and audits of supplier and sub-contractor facilities, with a focus on both quality and HSE compliance. Develop and maintain strong relationships with third parties, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement. Perform regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with quality and HSE standards and develop corrective action plans when quality or HSE issues are identified. Monitor and analyse performance data, including defect rates, response times, and corrective action closure, to drive improvements and reduce non-conformances. Monitor sub-contractor performance and forecast potential risks or issues related to quality, HSE, and delivery timelines. Collaborate to establish and maintain robust quality control processes, including in-process inspections and final acceptance testing. Review and approve supplier-provided documentation, including First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and Control Plans. Provide technical support to suppliers on machining processes, material specifications, and quality control requirements. Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities with suppliers to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence. Work with internal engineering teams to resolve technical issues related to machining tolerances, surface finishes, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs) and ensure sub-contractors take appropriate action to prevent recurrence. Forecast potential quality and HSE risks related to supplier and sub-contractor activities, and develop mitigation strategies. Maintain detailed records of supplier and sub-contractor quality and HSE performance, including audit results and corrective actions. Generate regular reports for management on supplier and sub-contractor quality, HSE performance, and areas of concern. Ensure all supplier quality activities comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. Qualifications: Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Experience: 3+ years of experience in a quality engineering role, preferably in supply chain or manufacturing environments.Experience with supplier management and quality assurance processes, with a focus on HSE compliance.Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 45001) and quality management systems.Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers, sub-contractors, and internal teams.Proficient in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, SPC, root cause analysis).Knowledge of machining processes, materials, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).Knowledge of HSE regulations and best practices.Certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt, or similar certification is preferred. HSE certifications (e.g., NEBOSH) are a plus. Ability to travel to supplier and sub-contractor sites as needed. Benefits: 25 days holidays per year + Bank Holidays.Company Pension Scheme.Death in Service life insurance scheme.Personal Injury scheme.Health Cash Plan.Free electric charging points.Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work.Early finish on a Friday.Onsite Parking.Free hot mealsReferral programme (up to £750).There is a genuine opportunity to develop your skills further and progress within the organisation. Please apply in the first instance if you feel you have the required skills and experience. JBRP1_UKTJ