Senior Supplier Quality Specialist

Terry Parris Associates; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Sunbury-on-Thames is seeking a Supplier Quality Specialist to enhance supplier performance and ensure compliance with quality standards. The role involves strategic supplier audits, performance monitoring, and compliance management. Ideal candidates will have experience in supplier quality and knowledge of quality assurance frameworks. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Clear progression path

Professional development funding

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supply chain engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of quality tools like 8D and Control Plans.
• Experience in conducting supplier audits and managing quality metrics.

Responsibilities

• Own the Supplier Audit Management Plan and ensure compliance.
• Lead supplier performance reviews with data-driven techniques.
• Support sourcing decisions and conduct on-site supplier audits.

Skills

Supplier quality management

Root cause analysis

FMEA

Lean principles

Six Sigma knowledge

Education

Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 or equivalent)

Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Job description

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

About the Role
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.

Key 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