Supplier Development Engineer

83zero Ltd; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

83zero Ltd in Peterlee recruits a Supplier Development Engineer on a 24-month contract to support a major production ramp-up for articulated trucks and mining equipment. You will own supplier quality, lead audits, drive improvements in welding, fabrication and machining, and manage performance across UK/Europe.

The role requires 5+ years in supplier development or similar, strong APQP/PPAP capabilities, and ability to travel (~30%).

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Supplier Development or related manufacturing role.
• Strong understanding of welding, fabrication and machining processes.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, supplier audits and corrective actions.
• Background in automotive, heavy manufacturing, mining or similar sectors.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of supplier quality, technical performance and improvements.
• Lead supplier audits, root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Drive improvements across welding, fabrication and machining processes.
• Manage supplier performance using APQP, PPAP and PPm metrics.
• Collaborate with UK and European suppliers; travel as needed.

Skills

Supplier Development

Quality Improvement

Welding / Machining

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Supplier Development Engineer

Peterlee | £42.77 per hour (£312.22 equivalent day rate) | Inside IR35

24-Month Contract | Likely Extension | 36.5 Hours per Week

We're recruiting an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to join a global heavy machinery manufacturer in Peterlee on an initial 24-month contract.

This is a key position supporting a significant production ramp-up across Articulated Trucks and Hydraulic Mining Shovels, with responsibility for developing and improving supplier performance across the UK and Europe.

You'll have real ownership of your suppliers, working directly with Engineering, Purchasing and Manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges, improve quality and ensure production requirements are met.

The Opportunity

• Take ownership of supplier quality, technical performance and improvement activities.

• Lead supplier audits, root cause investigations and corrective actions.

• Drive improvements across welding, fabrication and machining processes.

• Manage supplier performance using APQP, PPAP and PPM metrics.

• Work with UK and European suppliers, including occasional international travel.

What We're Looking For

• At least 5 years' experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Quality or a similar manufacturing engineering role.

• Strong technical understanding of welding, fabrication and machining.

• Experience with APQP, PPAP, supplier audits and corrective action management.

• Background in automotive, heavy manufacturing, mining, aerospace, shipbuilding or oil and gas.

• Confident communicator who can challenge suppliers, build relationships and drive improvements.

A relevant engineering degree would be beneficial, but strong practical manufacturing experience is equally valued.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to work on major manufacturing programmes involving some of the world's largest mining equipment, with the autonomy to manage your own suppliers and influence how they perform.

The contract offers 24 months initially, with strong potential for extension, and exposure to suppliers and engineering projects across Europe.

Location: Peterlee - fully onsite, 4.5-day working week
Travel: Approximately 30%, primarily UK with occasional European visits
Rate: £42.77 per hour / £312.22 equivalent day rate - Inside IR35