Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Caterpillar; Leicester; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Supplier Development Engineer. This role involves leading quality assurance for complex welded structures, conducting supplier audits, and driving performance improvements. The ideal candidate has a background in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering and a strong focus on quality processes. This full-time position offers competitive salary and relocation support.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Up to 18% Bonus

Private Medical Care

Car Allowance £600/month

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits including dental, health & vision care plans

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in supplier quality assurance for complex welded structures.
• Ability to influence design decisions and optimise manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the APQP process for complex welded structures.
• Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance.
• Resolve critical quality issues and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Engineering & Technical Expertise

Supplier Development & Management

Process Improvement & Quality Orientation

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Job description

Overview

Career Area: Procurement

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you\'re joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don\'t just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Salary: £63,000 to £80,000 (based on experience)

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire or Stockton-on-Tees – relocation support offered

Working Pattern: On-site presence required, 5-day week when not travelling

The Opportunity

Step into a senior-level role, as Senior Supplier Development Engineer, where you’ll be the expert in supplier quality assurance for complex welded structures. You’ll lead the APQP process from concept to launch, own PPAP reviews, and drive compliance through supplier audits and strategic partnerships. Your technical insight will shape manufacturability, resolve critical quality issues, and embed continuous improvement across our global supply base.

Responsibilities

• Leading the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process for complex welded structures.
• Owning supplier quality strategy, including PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) reviews to ensure defect-free, compliant products.
• Conducting supplier audits to ensure alignment with internal policies and external regulations.
• Partnering with suppliers to drive performance using Lean, advanced process controls, and robust quality plans.
• Resolving critical quality issues through cross-functional collaboration and sustainable CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
• Influencing design decisions during CPPD (Collaborative Product and Process Development) to optimise manufacturability and supplier capability.

Note: The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting; please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

What You Can Demonstrate

Level: Extensive Experience

• Engineering & Technical Expertise: Be the technical authority in welding and heavy fabrications, applying your engineering background to influence design and manufacturability. Your knowledge of machining, laser cutting, and bending will support supplier capability and guide cross-functional teams.
• Supplier Development & Management – MFG: Lead supplier development with confidence—building strategic partnerships, resolving performance gaps, and driving continuous improvement through lean methodologies and robust process controls.
• Process Improvement & Quality Orientation: Champion quality and process excellence using APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and capability studies. You’ll lead the resolution of high-impact issues and coach others in applying quality tools.

Level: Expert

• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Own the PPAP process for complex welded components, ensuring submissions meet global standards and internal expectations. You’ll lead evaluations, introduce improvements, and drive innovation in quality assurance through emerging tools and best practices.

What You May Have

• A degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification and working knowledge of DMAIC methodology

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Your Benefits

What You Will Get — One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Contract: Full Time

Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays - opportunity to buy and sell, up to 18% Bonus, Private Medical Care (employee), Car Allowance £600pm, Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee\'s contribution Up to 10%, Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee\'s contribution, optional flexible benefits including access to dental, health & vision care plans, EV car lease etc.

Travel: 50%, mostly UK; occasional international (1–2 weeks/year)

Relocation is available for this position.

Posting Dates: October 9, 2025 - October 23, 2025

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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