Supplier Quality Engineer

University of Fort Hare; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical concern is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to enhance quality and compliance within the supply chain. This role involves managing supplier relationships, conducting audits, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvements and ensure adherence to quality standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical drug products or Cosmetics.
• Thorough understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience in a global, multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier audits and ensure GMP compliance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing sites on quality issues.
• Lead initiatives on trending quality issues at suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Critical Thinking

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Education

Master's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

A pharmaceutical concern is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer responsible for developing, deploying, and implementing the Supplier Quality Management (SQM) strategy, policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives that enhance quality, compliance, cost-efficiency, and operational benefits within the supply chain.

The role involves partnering with stakeholders, individuals, teams, and external suppliers to implement innovative solutions and continuous improvements, with measurable business results. The Supplier Quality Engineer will serve as the Quality & Compliance representative in cross-functional teams managing the entire Supplier Quality life-cycle and Product Transfer projects, including NPI/NPDs for Consumer Health products in the EMEA region.

Responsibilities:

1. Supplier selection, auditing, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation:

• Maintain regional quality ownership of supplier relationships and quality responsibility agreements between J&J and suppliers.
• Manage the supplier portfolio ensuring GMP compliance and risk-based oversight.
• Plan and execute supplier audits, including follow-up actions.
• Oversee new supplier qualification and change control processes.
• Implement global initiatives and quality improvements at supplier sites.
• Manage quality issues such as micro failures and rejects, including on-site investigations.
• Support changes to direct materials.
• Drive continuous improvement through KPIs, Management Action Plans, and CAPA follow-up.

Business and internal site support:

• Partner with Procurement, R&D, Raw Material Center, and Global Packaging to support business continuity, cost improvements, and supplier portfolio optimization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing sites to address non-conformities, material changes, inspections, and quality reviews.

Quality & Compliance Program:

• Engage in Global Quality & Compliance programs and cross-functional working groups.
• Build partnerships with regional and global quality teams.
• Support Supplier Quality Management Review processes.
• Lead initiatives on trending quality issues at suppliers to drive improvements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Supplier Quality Management system.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
• Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical drug products or Cosmetics, including quality, compliance, supply, handling, manufacturing, and packaging functions.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• Thorough understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices and regulatory expectations.
• Strong personal organization, autonomy, leadership, communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to quality culture and a global mindset.
• Previous manufacturing site experience is preferred.
• Experience in a global, multicultural environment and project management is advantageous.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.