Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer

We are currently looking to recruit a Supplier Quality Engineer to join our client's team on a permanent basis.

Job Purpose

To ensure that all purchased materials, components and services supplied to the business meet customer, regulatory and company quality requirements. The Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for developing, monitoring and improving supplier performance, supporting new product launches, managing supplier quality issues and driving continuous improvement throughout the supply chain. This role is critical to achieving zero defects, customer satisfaction and supply chain reliability. The role typically includes supplier audits, APQP, PPAP, problem solving and IATF 16949 compliance activities.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Development & Approval

Evaluate and approve new suppliers through audits and capability assessments.

Support Procurement in supplier selection and sourcing decisions.

Assess supplier manufacturing capability, quality systems and process controls.

Ensure suppliers comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements.

Managing approved supplier list

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Support supplier APQP activities.

Support PPAP submissions and approvals.

Support prototype, pre-production and safe launch activities.

Supplier Performance Management

Monitor supplier quality KPIs and delivery performance.

Develop supplier scorecards and performance reviews.

Drive supplier improvement plans and corrective actions.

Support supplier escalation and risk management activities.

Quality Problem Resolution

Support root cause analysis using 8D, 5 Why.

Verify effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.

Conduct supplier visits to investigate recurring issues.

Manage cost recovery associated with supplier quality concerns where applicable.

Supplier Auditing

Plan and conduct process, product and system audits.

Perform supplier surveillance and compliance audits.

Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements and regulatory standards.

Track audit findings through to closure.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing or Quality Management.

Minimum 3 years' experience in Supplier Quality within the automotive industry.

Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements.

Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Process Flows, and Control Plans.

Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.

Experience conducting supplier audits.

Desirable

Lead Auditor qualification.

Knowledge of VDA 6.3 auditing.

Experience with OEM customer-specific requirements (VW Formel Q, Stellantis, JLR, Ford, etc.).

Skills & Competencies

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Analytical and data-driven approach

Negotiation and influencing ability

Project management capability

Attention to detail

Customer-focused mindset

Ability to work independently and travel to supplier sites

Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management systems