Senior Supplier Quality Specialist

Terry Parris Associates; Borough of Spelthorne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking engineering firm is seeking a Supplier Quality Specialist to enhance supplier relationships and drive quality standards. This role encompasses governance, performance monitoring, and compliance for suppliers, ideal for someone experienced in quality engineering. The position offers career progression and a competitive salary package, as well as involvement in significant global projects.

Benefits

Clear progression path

Professional development funding

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supplier quality or supply chain engineering.
• Knowledge of quality tools like 8D, FMEA, SPC.
• Experience with supplier audits and development plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage Supplier Audit Management Plan and compliance.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and investigations.
• Support sourcing and supplier capabilities assessments.

Skills

Supplier quality management

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Quality metrics management

Education

Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 or equivalent)

Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

QMS platforms

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Supplier Quality Specialist
Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
Job Type: Permanent

Join 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.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Governance & Strategy
  
  • Own 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 & Improvement
  
  • Lead 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 Support
  
  • Support 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 Readiness
  
  • Prepare 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.

Requirements

• Essential Experience & Skills
  • Proven 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 Qualifications
  • Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 or equivalent)
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
  • Familiarity with NPI and APQP processes
  • Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and QMS platforms

What We Offer

• Clear progression path into strategic quality, supply chain leadership, or operations roles
• Involvement in key projects, including global supplier rationalisation and NPI launches
• A culture that values collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Competitive salary package, professional development funding, and generous holiday allowance

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites as required (approx. 20%)
• Flexibility to support cross-functional tasks during periods of low departmental headcount
• Proactive mindset and strong stakeholder communication skills

Apply Now to join a company where your expertise will shape supplier performance, influence business success, and contribute to engineering excellent