Supplier Quality Engineer

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The Supplier Quality Engineering role is primarily outward facing, cost and risk avoidance, supplier development role working within the Purchasing department.

Supporting the measurement and development of suppliers manufacturing make to print parts; typically metal fabrications or machined parts, along with some electrical and electronic assemblies.

Focused on New Production Development and is responsible for driving exceptional supplier performance, thus creating a world-class supply base that exceeds expectations for the business group and the Global Supply Chain team.

Focus will be on proactive supplier analysis, development activities, technical support, part qualifications, improvement activities, corrective actions, and new product introductions to ensure component parts and assemblies are consistently manufactured in total compliance to specified requirements.

Simultaneously and in conjunction with the Strategic Purchasing Group, this position will support the balanced improvement of quality, cost and service, all while operating within Lean manufacturing principles.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

* Management and development of the supplier scorecard system. Liaison with the supplier along with the purchasing, quality, R & D, engineering and manufacturing teams to drive improvements and quantifiable benefits from this activity.

* Management of all materials returned to suppliers for credit or replacement. Liaison with quality, purchasing and accounts teams to ensure the loop is closed.

* New supplier qualification.

* Existing supplier development, particularly in the areas of delivery performance and cost avoidance/reduction in all areas. These are typically small to medium sized engineering/electronics companies.

* Supplier risk mitigation.

* Tracking and supporting annual cost down activities; liaison with the purchasing, engineering and R & D teams to ensure targets are met.

* Understand and define supplier technical, manufacturing and inspection capabilities.

* Routinely provide performance communication to the supply base and internal personnel to ensure the proper use of suppliers based on defined commodity strategy.

* Develop the supplier's ability to support Lean manufacturing principles and problem avoidance processes through the use of best in class quality, delivery and lead-time performance processes.

* Drive a systematic and statistical problem solving and process improvement approach utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles.

* Function as a technical liaison between suppliers, engineering, SCM group, business group, and manufacturing sites, to resolve supplier related issues.

* Assure supplier's corrective and preventative action plans are developed and executed in compliance. Report on the status of corrective actions, as required, to manufacturing, business group and executive management.

* Perform supplier on-site assessments and assistance visits for supplier selection, to improve supplier performance and achieve balanced improvement objectives.

* Develop and implement APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP for new and existing purchase parts.

* Review supplier processes, collaborate with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities.

* Support and utilize the Strategic Group's activities and direction on supplier development, risk management, reduction and consolidation.

* Promote early supplier involvement at project development stages for design for manufacturing purposes.

* Support and coordinate with the Strategic Group's new product activities and direction to optimize the transition from new product development to production.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

* A confident, outward facing individual with a Quality background in manufacturing, preferably with metal fabrication and machining experience.

* Knowledge of electronic and electrical assembly manufacture would be beneficial.

* Strong on 'process; (6 sigma or similar) and the ability to demonstrate the benefits of such an approach both internally and externally.

* Corporate experience.

* Degree qualified or equivalent in a mechanical or engineering discipline.

* Experience in supply chain.

* Experience in a supplier quality or manufacturing quality role.

* Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) would be desirable.

PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

* Commercially aware and prepared to show a financial return from the role.

* Diplomatic - the ability to liaise with all departments as well as being able to build credibility with the supplier base.

* Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at any level.

* Strong teamworking skills and the ability to compromise.

* Statistical Process Control Understanding.

* Industry specific DFM knowledge.

* Project management skills.

* Inspection/Metrology Experience (Method, GRR, CMM, VMR, tools).

* A balanced professional capable to seeing the big picture while managing the details.

* Motivated by results.

* Critical thinking, problem solving and multitasking abilities.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.