Regional Supplier Quality Engineer (with focus on PPAP) (F/M/D)

Hitachi, Ltd.; Lodi; Hybrid; EUR 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive Plan

Hybrid work model

Health Insurance

Pension Fund

Job summary

Hitachi Energy in Lodi is seeking a supplier quality professional to strengthen our engineering partnerships and ensure world-class quality and compliance. You will collaborate with procurement, Q&OPEX, HSE, R&D and suppliers to drive PPAP execution, supplier qualification, and continual improvement across the supply base.

The role requires hands-on experience in supplier quality, audits, and problem solving within high voltage products, with travel up to ~40% across Italy and Europe.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in mechanical or electrical engineering with supplier quality management.
• Familiarity with PPAP and supplier qualification processes.
• Understanding of procurement and supply chain in manufacturing contexts.
• Knowledge of governance, sustainability and Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Ability to lead operational issue resolutions with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving for supplier non-conformance (8D).
• Experience monitoring supplier performance via KPIs.
• Willingness to travel ~40% in Italy and Europe.
• Lean 6S, SPC and PFMEA knowledge; Green Belt preferred.
• Fluent in Italian and English.

Responsibilities

• Support Procurement HUB and Factory Team to qualify suppliers and ensure code of conduct compliance.
• Execute PPAP part qualifications and ensure supplier alignment with Hitachi requirements.
• Develop standards to support engineering and product care for delivery/testing instructions.
• Conduct supplier assessments and audits; ensure closure of non-conformances.
• Monitor On Quality Delivery (OQD) performance and drive supplier improvements.
• Lead and rapidly resolve quality issues; prepare claims cases for buyers.

Skills

Supplier quality management

PPAP knowledge

Audits & assessments

KPIs & performance evaluations

8D problem solving

Travel willingness (~40%)

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Fluent Italian & English

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical or Electrical)

Job description

The Opportunity

Join us in shaping the future of supplier quality at Hitachi Energy in Lodi.

We are looking for a candidate with a warm and collaborative personality who thrives in building strong relationships and clear communication with suppliers. This role requires expertise in high voltage products, with a strong technical background and hands-on experience in quality assurance and problem-solving within this field.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and operational excellence- collaborating closely with category teams, buyers, Q&OPEX, HSE, R&D, and suppliers to ensure world-class quality and compliance.

We value diversity and collaboration, ensuring everyone feels respected and included. Join us and make a difference!

How you'll make an impact

• Support our Procurement HUB and Factory Team that we ensure a proper Qualified supplier base and by that help to ensure each supplier follows the Hitachi Energy Supplier Code of Conduct, ethics and corporate governance and sustainability requirements.

• Support the Supply Chain Management Organization and execute part qualifications (PPAP) according to defined requirements. Ensure that supplier understands our Hitachi requirements and executes the samples in accordance with our standards. Validate the results along with Quality Organization.

• Connected to PPAP work, help on developing our standards to next level and by that trigger and support Engineering and Product Care in setting up new delivery and test instructions.

• Conduct and ensure required Supplier Assessments in the PPAP phase and Audits as per Operation Unit demand. Verify effective closure of assessed non-conformances, by the supplier.

• Based on Performance Monitoring of On Quality Delivery (OQD), focus on issue resolution (Supplier Non-Conformance Management) along with suppliers. Visit the suppliers you are responsible for in a regular manner to help them to drive Quality Improvements.

• Operationally lead and fast execute upcoming supply issues like quality issues, late deliveries, non-conforming products or project services. For any issue with a likely root cause supplier, prepare a claims case for the buyer responsible.

Your background

• Solid experience from Mechanical or Electrical Engineering & good knowledge on supplier quality management, including conducting audits or assessments.

• Familiarity with supplier qualification processes and standards, especially PPAP.

• Understanding procurement and supply chain operations in a manufacturing or industrial context.

• Knowledge of corporate governance, sustainability, and ethical compliance frameworks such as a Supplier Code of Conduct.

• Be open to interdisciplinary teamwork with ability to lead operational issue resolutions involving suppliers and stake holders.

• Strong problem-solving skills related to supplier non-conformance and quality issues (8D).

• Experience in monitoring supplier performance using KPIs and leading performance evaluations.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (approx. 40%) for supplier visits and quality improvement initiatives within Italy and Europe.

• Capability to manage and execute special projects within quality or quality management domains.

• Favorably qualified as Green Belt, using lean 6s methods, statistical process control & P-FMEA methods.

• Fluent Italian and English.

More about us

We believegreat workthrives in an environment where people feel genuinely supported andfairly rewarded. Our benefits are designed to create real value for every individual - fueling engagement, performance, and growth. By prioritizing well-being, we build a workplace where personal and organizational success grow together.

The minimum salary for this position in the location specified:

• Starting from:38,000 € gross annual salary

The final offer will be based on candidate location, skills and qualifications, experience, and aligned with internal pay structures.

Our benefits offering for this rolegenerally include:

• Incentive Plan, Lunch ticket or canteen, Health Insurance, Pension Fund, Welfare, Flexible working hours, Hybrid work model,Well-being platform, Family Care Benefits, Parking and Partnerships (gyms, sports centers, stores)

Applicable CBA: Metalmeccanico