Supplier Quality Engineer

Gordon Murray; Windlesham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Murray Automotive is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to assure quality, capability and readiness of the supplier base. You will drive supplier audits, APQP/PPAP activities, ISIR reviews and robust containment until issues are fully resolved.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Production, travel to UK and overseas suppliers, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier network for vehicle production readiness.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP and FMEA; AIAG Core Tools training advantageous.
• Lean tools and methodologies: 5S, VSM, TPM, OEE, Gemba, Kaizen, PDCA and Six Sigma.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2015.
• Experience with metrology, inspection methods and measuring equipment.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing; NPI and production quality management.
• Strong communication, negotiation and data analysis skills; travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality activities from initial assessment through PPAP and production readiness.
• Lead supplier audits in line with audit plans; act as signatory for new suppliers.
• Support NPI projects and APQP activities with defined deliverables.
• Participate in DFMEA/PFMEA ensuring critical characteristics are understood.
• Agree PPAP requirements and review or reject submissions.
• Ensure measurement strategies align with engineering and inspection standards.
• Review ISIRs and ensure timely submission.
• Lead supplier quality improvements using 8D, Ishikawa and 5 Why.

Skills

APQP & PPAP

FMEA AIAG Core Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

GD&T

Data analysis

Supplier management

Communication

Project management

Travel readiness

Tools

AIAG Core Tools Training

Job description

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer to play a key role in ensuring the quality, capability and readiness of GMA's supplier base. Working closely with nominated suppliers and internal Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Production functions, you will ensure supplier quality assurance activities are fully realised and that supplied parts are matured, validated and approved from design concept through to production readiness and final sign-off.

As a key link between GMA and its suppliers, you will manage supplier quality performance, lead problem-solving activities and support new product introduction. Your technical knowledge, analytical approach and ability to build strong relationships will help ensure suppliers consistently deliver parts that meet the exacting quality and specification requirements of GMA vehicles.

The Role

You will be responsible for managing supplier quality activities across nominated suppliers, from initial supplier assessment and APQP through to PPAP approval, production readiness and ongoing quality performance. You will conduct audits, manage supplier concerns and drive robust corrective and preventive actions to ensure issues are resolved effectively and do not recur.

This is your chance to:

• Conduct supplier audits in line with the Supplier Audit Plan, including initial supplier nomination audits, ongoing surveillance audits and process and product audits.
• Act as the main quality signatory for newly nominated suppliers, using audit results and supplier capability assessments to support approval decisions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and manage APQP activities with selected suppliers against defined project deliverables.
• Participate in DFMEA and PFMEA activities, ensuring critical and significant characteristics are understood and effectively cascaded to suppliers.
• Agree PPAP requirements with suppliers and review, approve or reject PPAP submissions.
• Ensure supplier measurement and inspection strategies align with Engineering requirements and internal Quality and Goods Inwards inspection standards.
• Confirm Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIRs) are completed and submitted for review.
• Manage nominated suppliers to ensure consistent delivery of products that meet defined requirements, specifications and quality standards.
• Lead the management of supplier non-conformances using structured problem-solving tools including 8D, Ishikawa and 5 Why.
• Facilitate supplier containment activities, ensuring robust root cause analysis, effective corrective and preventive actions and final verification prior to concern closure.
• Escalate unresolved supplier quality issues appropriately to the line manager.
• Conduct lessons learned activities with suppliers at the start of each project phase and support relevant internal lessons learned exercises.
• Promote continuous improvement techniques including Lean, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke, Measurement System Analysis and other quality improvement methodologies.
• Collect, analyse and report supplier quality KPI data to management and the wider business as required.
• Work closely with Engineering and Supply Chain to resolve supplier quality issues and respond to general supplier quality queries.
• Act as a point of contact for lineside supplier quality queries and support the internal triage process for allocating concerns.
• Collaborate closely with internal Quality and Goods Inwards Inspectors to ensure clear, accurate and timely information is shared with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Take the lead on nominated Supplier Quality Engineering projects where required.
• Provide cover for the line manager during periods of absence where required.
• Travel to UK and overseas suppliers as required by the role.

About You

You'll be an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer or quality professional who enjoys working in a technically demanding, fast-paced manufacturing environment where quality, precision and effective supplier relationships are critical.

• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP and FMEA, with AIAG Core Tools training or certification being advantageous.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies, with experience in areas such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, TPM, OEE, Gemba, Kaizen, PDCA and Six Sigma advantageous.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016.
• Knowledge or experience of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2015.
• Knowledge and/or experience of metrology, inspection methods and measuring equipment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Knowledge and experience of manufacturing processes used within the automotive industry.
• Able to work effectively in a diverse and dynamic environment, planning and prioritising workload to meet business requirements.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge suppliers and internal stakeholders when required.
• Able to compile, analyse and present data effectively.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence communicating technical information.
• Organised, persuasive, resourceful and flexible, with the ambition and self-direction to deliver objectives.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and driving continuous improvement.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to operate confidently at all levels of the business, from shopfloor teams through to senior leadership.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to UK and overseas suppliers.
• AIAG Core Tools training or certification.
• Experience within the automotive industry or complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing supplier quality within NPI and production environments.
• Practical experience of Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with metrology, measurement systems and inspection processes.
• Experience working with low-volume, high-value or technically complex products.

Why this role matters:

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and capability of the supplier network that supports Gordon Murray Automotive's vehicle production. As Supplier Quality Engineer, you will directly influence the successful delivery of components by ensuring suppliers have the processes, controls and capabilities required to consistently meet GMA's demanding standards.

From supplier nomination and APQP through to PPAP, production readiness and ongoing quality improvement, your work will help prevent quality issues, resolve problems at source and ensure supplied parts are fully validated and fit for purpose.

Working across Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Production and an international supplier network, you will have a direct impact on product quality and manufacturing performance while supporting the delivery of vehicles to the exceptional standards expected from one of the world's most exciting luxury automotive brands.