Supplier Quality Development Engineer Uitenhage

Outside Capital; Kariega; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Outside Capital in Uitenhage, South Africa, seeks a Quality Engineer focused on supplier quality and development. You will evaluate suppliers, define quality standards, and drive improvements through APQP and FMEA processes, while coordinating with Engineering and Program Management.

You will lead root-cause analyses, perform supplier audits, and implement corrective actions to ensure product quality and on-time delivery. A cross-functional, hands-on role with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience in Quality Engineering focused on supplier quality and development (>3 years).
• Trained in ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and maintaining scorecards.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement in supplier performance and product quality.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Assess potential suppliers based on quality management systems, capabilities, and past performance.
• Establish quality standards, inspection criteria, and conduct supplier audits.
• Develop suppliers' quality systems and implement corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Lead root-cause analysis using 8D, 5 Whys, and fishbone diagrams.
• Drive continuous improvement in supplier quality, cost, and delivery.
• Verify APQP elements (FMEA, Process Flow, Control Plan, Run @ Rate, SPC).
• Conduct quality audits at suppliers and communicate issues with Engineering.
• Maintain supplier quality records, audit findings, and performance metrics.
• Build strong supplier relationships and provide training on quality tools.

Skills

Quality Engineering

Supplier Quality

APQP

FMEA

PPAP

G8D

SPC

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

Audits

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Job Overview

This position is based in Uitenhage, South Africa. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, this position will be responsible for ensuring that current and future suppliers meet our stated requirements, including our Supplier System Assessments (SSA), Special Process Module assessments (SPM), and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supplier Evaluation and Selection: Assess potential suppliers based on various criteria such as quality management systems, manufacturing capabilities, past performance, and compliance with industry standards.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and communicate quality standards, specifications, and inspection criteria for components and materials. Conduct regular audits and inspections of supplier facilities to ensure compliance.
• Supplier Development: Work closely with suppliers to improve their quality management systems, processes, and performance. Provide guidance and support to help suppliers implement corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Root Cause Analysis: Respond to Customer and Internal Quality Issues from Containment through to Corrective action with follow up and report out through G8D to prevent recurring concerns. Investigate quality issues, non-conformities, and product failures to identify root causes. Utilize problem-solving tools and methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, etc., to drive corrective and preventive actions. Immediate implementation of containment actions at the customer from the line-side point-of-fit back to verified safe stock on site and at supplier, in the event of supplier quality concerns and maintain feedback through regular detailed G8D updates.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement in supplier quality, cost, and delivery performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and optimize supply chain processes.
• Program Management: Verify all APQP elements are optimized and meet the program requirements (FMEA, Process Flow, Control Plan, Run @ Rate, SPC etc.). Execute Process, Capability, Heat Treat, and Quality audits at the supplier as part of the development process. Communicate supplier issues with Engineering and Program Management on a timely basis. Successful transition of project to plant quality after flawless launch. Ensure successful change management.
• Quality Control: Develop and implement robust quality control plans for incoming materials, including inspection methods, sampling plans, and testing protocols. Monitor supplier performance metrics and take corrective actions as needed.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with supplier quality, capacity, and geographical location. Develop contingency plans to minimize the impact of supplier disruptions on production.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of supplier quality activities, including audit reports, inspection findings, corrective action plans, and performance metrics. Prepare regular reports and presentations for management review. Analyze SPFS data and use Supplier Management Tools and Processes.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers through effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation. Work together with suppliers as partners to achieve mutual goals and objectives.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to suppliers on quality management principles, tools, and techniques. Share knowledge and expertise to help suppliers improve their capabilities and performance over time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor's degree or similar in Engineering or a related field.
• Current experience in Quality Engineering - Supplier Quality & Development >3 years of experience.
• Trained in Quality Systems including ISO9001, and IATF 16949, VDA 6.3.
• Experience in conducting supplier audits and maintaining supplier scorecards.
• Ability to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in supplier performance and product quality.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint specifically.
• Current (SQD) experience in the automotive or manufacturing industry is required.
• Strong knowledge of G8D, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plans.
• Effective SPC Guidance, control and management at Suppliers and DANA Plants.
• Additional: experience related to Toolmaking would be advantageous.