Senior Supplier Quality Specialist

OverviewJob Title: Supplier Quality SpecialistLocation: Sunbury-on-Thames, SurreyJob Type: PermanentJoin a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business where quality is at the heart of everything we do. As a Senior Supplier Quality Specialist, you will be a key driver in developing high-performing supplier partnerships that directly support product excellence, operational efficiency, and business growth. This is a cross-functional role that offers visibility, influence, and the opportunity to shape supplier performance standards across a global supply base.ResponsibilitiesSupplier Quality Governance & StrategyOwn the Supplier Audit Management Plan aligned with business priorities, ensuring risk-based scheduling, compliance, and continuous improvement.Champion the Supplier Quality Manual, maintaining all documentation in accordance with internal and regulatory standards.Oversee the Approved Supplier List (ASL), including scope of supply, qualification criteria, and periodic review protocols.Performance Monitoring & ImprovementLead supplier performance reviews using data-driven techniques such as scorecards, KPIs, and trend analysis.Proactively manage non-conformance investigations using 8D, Ishikawa, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.Drive timely closure of Corrective Actions, monitoring effectiveness and sustainability of improvements.Collaborate with suppliers on Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, integrating Lean and Six Sigma principles where applicable.Operational and Project SupportSupport sourcing decisions and supplier capability assessments for New Product Introduction (NPI) and ongoing production needs.Conduct thorough on-site supplier audits, including quality system, process, and special process audits.Partner with purchasing, engineering, and operations teams to ensure supply chain readiness and risk mitigation.Compliance and Audit ReadinessPrepare and support the business during third-party audits (e.g. ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) with supplier-related evidence and documentation.Maintain full adherence to the Business Management System (BMS) and Quality Assurance (QA) frameworks.RequirementsEssential Experience & SkillsProven experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supply chain engineering within an advanced manufacturing or engineering setting.In-depth knowledge of quality tools (e.g. 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, PPAP).Hands-on experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development plans.Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.Competent in managing quality metrics and supplier scorecards.Desirable QualificationsCertified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 or equivalent)Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certificationFamiliarity with NPI and APQP processesWorking knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and QMS platformsWhat We OfferClear progression path into strategic quality, supply chain leadership, or operations rolesInvolvement in key projects, including global supplier rationalisation and NPI launchesA culture that values collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvementCompetitive salary package, professional development funding, and generous holiday allowanceAdditional ExpectationsWillingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites as required (approx. 20%)Flexibility to support cross-functional tasks during periods of low departmental headcountProactive mindset and strong stakeholder communication skillsApply Now to join a company where your expertise will shape supplier performance, influence business success, and contribute to engineering excellent #J-18808-Ljbffr