Job Description

The Category Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for completing pro-active and escalated re-active quality assurance activities in support of the overall business. On a day to day basis, the SQD Engineer will work together with commodity buyers, R&D, project supplier quality and our suppliers to prevent issues and generate improvements of the Supply Base by evaluating and validating potential new suppliers according to the Commodity strategies and Group procedures, as well as taking the lead for escalation cases across our global manufacturing facilities and supporting plant SQ Engineers in resolving cases in a structured and timely manner to ensure first class customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Carry out system and/or process audits at the suppliers with reference to VDA 6.3 and additional requirements specific to the customer and the company and also with reference to latest version of ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.
• Continually working to update and improve the Global Vendor Portal (Approved, On-Hold, To be Resourced) including all related Quality information (certifications, audit results, Quality contacts, etc.) for the assigned commodities
• Monitor the performance of the supplier base to ensure that the quality goals for purchased material are understood externally and internally, and that the suppliers continuously improve their processes to meet these quality targets.
• On a monthly basis, to report activities and performance of the supplier base to allow the creation of the monthly reports.
• Support buyers and RD in choice of supplier (early stages of project)
• Propose level 3 supplier escalations to Director Supplier Quality Corporate or the Manager Supplier Quality Development Regional with all relevant information allowing a decision to be taken.
• Solve problems and to monitor corrective measures on quality cases escalated from level 2 to level 3. All information regarding the concern shall be handed over from the responsible plant Supplier Quality Engineer
• Report the status of level 3 supplier escalation issues to the functional and direct management frequently.
• Participate and support in Purchasing Sourcing Committee meetings
• Ensure that the Supplier Quality Manual is approved and implemented by all suppliers, including negotiations with the Suppliers together with the Commodity Buyer.
• Report to the direct and functional manager when major issues occur. (for instance: production line stop, customer disturbance, warranty issues)
• Analyze and arrange all information regarding quality and logistic issues in order to secure a good decision base.
• Propose continuous system improvements with regards to Supplier Quality.
• Develop and utilize effective measures to ensure continuous improvements throughout the assigned supplier base.
• Develop systems and procedures to support the work of the purchasers, especially when sourcing new parts or selecting new suppliers.

What we offer

We offer a competitive salary package for the right candidate, along with condensed working of full time hours across 4.5 days with Friday afternoon 1pm finish, 25 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays, 5% company matched pension contribution, life assurance benefit, onsite parking facilities and a range of other rewards.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Degree level education or equivalent relevant experience. Certified auditor for IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Certified VDA 6.3 auditor with valid license of min 2 years. Experience in automotive technologies, vehicle engineering or quality. Audit, supplier development skills, standards/regulations and main quality issues. Experience in one of the technologies as follows: Mechatronics, Injection Molding, Casting, Plating, Rubber, Machining. Relevant quality tool and techniques (APQP, PPAP, Root Cause Analysis, 8D, PDCA-FTA, MSA, SPC, FMEA, PCP…etc...). Continuous improvement training in quality assurance, further training in measuring engineering, print interpretation, tolerances of form and position, GD&T. Good team working capability with conflict management skills Facilitation skills with a strong focus on solutions and high degree of personal integrity. Good command of written and spoken English with ability to prepare & deliver detailed presentations. SAP knowledge an advantage (QM02/03/11 modules, vendor claim management, cost tracking per claim). Computer skills including MS Office, PLM, and Excellent Excel skills (VBA, pivot tables, data analytics, supplier scoreboard, KPI reporting, Vendor Portal reports). Frequent overseas travel as required for the role. Additional languages, particularly German, are an advantage.