Supplier Quality Engineer

Owen Daniels; Worcester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Daniels in Worcester is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to lead audits, assess supplier capability and drive continuous improvement across a UK supplier network. This hands-on role is supplier-facing and involves significant travel to supplier sites.

You will support qualification, onboarding and QA processes while ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and related standards, and actively drive corrective actions and supplier development.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer within manufacturing or engineering.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Solid understanding of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
• Experience managing supplier non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis and 8D.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, CNC machining and assembly.
• Good understanding of inspection and quality control techniques.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA or similar quality tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier audits (initial, process and surveillance).
• Assess and monitor supplier capability, quality performance and compliance.
• Identify and resolve quality issues and drive corrective actions with suppliers.
• Manage supplier non-conformances, complaints and CAPA plans.
• Carry out root cause analysis and ensure effective 8D/CAPA activity.
• Support qualification, approval and onboarding of new suppliers.
• Monitor supplier quality KPIs and drive improvements.
• Review supplier quality documentation and manufacturing records.

Skills

Supplier quality

Audits

Non-conformances

CAPA / 8D

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing processes

Quality documentation

Communication

Job description

Owen Daniels are currently recruiting for an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to join a well-established and growing manufacturing business based in Worcester.

This is a key role within the Quality function, responsible for working closely with the company's supplier network to ensure consistently high standards of quality, compliance and performance.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in Supplier Quality Engineering within a manufacturing or engineered products environment, with experience carrying out supplier audits, managing non-conformances, driving corrective actions and supporting supplier development.

This is a hands-on and highly supplier-facing role, with regular travel to supplier sites throughout the UK and occasional travel into Europe. The role will suit someone who enjoys being out on-site, understands manufacturing processes and is confident challenging suppliers and driving improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct supplier audits, including initial, process and surveillance audits.
• Assess and monitor supplier capability, quality performance and compliance.
• Work closely with suppliers to identify and resolve quality issues and drive sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage supplier non-conformances, complaints and corrective action plans.
• Carry out root cause analysis and ensure effective 8D / CAPA activity.
• Support the qualification, approval and onboarding of new suppliers.
• Monitor supplier Quality KPIs and identify areas for improvement.
• Work with suppliers to improve processes, product quality and overall performance.
• Review supplier Quality documentation, inspection reports, certificates and manufacturing records.
• Assess manufacturing processes including fabrication, welding, machining and assembly.
• Ensure appropriate material traceability and inspection requirements are being maintained.
• Support APQP, PPAP, FMEA and other structured Quality processes where applicable.
• Ensure suppliers meet relevant customer, regulatory and company Quality requirements.
• Support the business with supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with Engineering, Procurement, Production and Quality teams to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Provide clear reporting on supplier performance, risks and improvement activity.
• Maintain strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and the external supplier base.

A significant part of the role will involve travelling to supplier sites and carrying out detailed Quality assessments.

You will ideally have experience auditing against standards such as:

• ISO 9001
• ISO 3834
• Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
• Relevant manufacturing and customer-specific requirements

Experience assessing welding procedures, fabrication processes, machining, assembly and inspection activities would be highly advantageous.

About You

We are looking for a practical and commercially aware Supplier Quality Engineer who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across a manufacturing supply chain.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer / Supplier Quality Specialist / Quality Engineer within manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• A solid understanding of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
• Experience managing supplier non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis and 8D.
• Experience working with manufacturing processes such as welding, fabrication, CNC machining and assembly.
• Good understanding of inspection and Quality control techniques.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA or similar Quality tools.
• Strong technical understanding and the ability to interpret engineering/manufacturing documentation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• The confidence to challenge suppliers where standards are not being met.
• A proactive approach to supplier development and continuous improvement.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.

Travel

This role will involve regular travel to supplier sites across the UK, with occasional travel into Europe.

You should therefore be comfortable spending a significant proportion of your working week visiting suppliers, carrying out audits, inspections and improvement activities.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £42,000 – £58,000, depending on experience.
• A key role within an established and growing manufacturing business.
• Significant exposure to a diverse supplier network.
• The opportunity to take ownership of supplier Quality performance.
• A varied role combining auditing, technical Quality, supplier development and continuous improvement.
• Regular UK travel with occasional European travel.
• Long-term career development within a technically focused manufacturing environment.

If you are an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer with a strong manufacturing background and enjoy working directly with suppliers to improve Quality, compliance and performance, we would be keen to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take on a hands-on supplier-facing Quality role with significant responsibility and exposure across the wider supply chain.