Supplier Quality Engineer

We’re supporting our client, a global, leading manufacturer based in Worcester, who are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer to join their growing team. The successful Supplier Quality Engineer will have previous experience with supplier development or supplier quality assurance.

Job Summary: As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring APQP activities are carried out, PPAP submissions are made and correct, support suppliers to enable the company service, quality, cost and reliability objectives are met and maintained. This role will be closely aligned with the value stream engineering and quality functions but will sit within the supply chain procurement group. Supplier performance measurement and improvement activities are key functions of this role.

Responsibilities for Supplier Quality Engineer:

• New Product Introduction - Support Supplier development by undertaking supplier manufacturing process audits and monitoring performance during new product introduction. Management of supplier related quality activities from project conception through to post SOP. Publication of Launch Readiness Review to demonstrate project status and ensure associated risks are identified.
• Supplier Assessment - Conduct supplier survey to evaluate supplier quality systems, technical and processes capability, capacity based on quality, cost and delivery requirements within Europe. Support facility supplier performance reviews and undertake actions to resolve issues.
• Supplier Manufacturing Process Development - Evaluate and approve supplier manufacturing process including tooling design/manufacturing, process control, quality improvement to achieve high quality, reasonable cost and on time delivery.
• Supplier Quality Assurance - Analyses supplier performance both in conjunction with QA personnel and at supplier premises. Negotiates with supplier to find acceptable solutions to problems and supports resolution of corrective action requests. Statistical tools to be applied to understand and resolve issues by tackling root cause of problems. Interface with Facility QA personnel to support problem escalation and resolution.

About You:

• Certified quality engineer, preferred.
• University degree in mechanical engineering or quality.
• Fluent in English and a second language preferred.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience with supplier development or supplier quality assurance. Expert in 1st tier automotive supplier quality requirements (PPAP, APQP, SPC, 8D).
• Citizenship/passport which allows for free travel throughout Europe and the world, on very short notice (within 24 hours) is plus.
• A clear and practical understanding of the use of quality improvement methodology such as SPC, Six Sigma, Poka-yoke, lean manufacturing etc.
• Trained and experienced in Supplier Quality Assurance activities and techniques. Well versed in the application of quality tools to deliver components/assemblies off robust processes. Experience of a variety of commodity groups such as pressings, castings and machining etc.
• Understands the impact of the supply base on customer service.
• Demonstrated ability as a self-starter with a confidence to remain true to their values.
• Ability to communicate clearly with all levels of the organization both orally and written.
• Plans and organizes advanced quality planning activities in line with project timelines, delivers supplier status reports on APQP elements and PSW submission.
• Able to take the initiative to fulfil a business need at short notice and under severe time constraints. Influencer who can gain commitment and drive improvements to meet business/ customer need.

Job Application: If you would like to be considered for the role of Supplier Quality Engineer, please apply with your full CV - or call us now. Whilst this position may not be of interest to you or suit your skills and experience, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of the team at Willcox Matthews to understand how we can support you.

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