Supplier Development Engineer

Location: Daventry
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Role Summary

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to join a specialist automotive manufacturing environment focused on delivering exceptional quality standards across a complex supply chain. The Supplier Development Engineer will be responsible for supplier engagement, supplier performance improvement, issue resolution, supplier assessments, development activities, and supporting new supplier and component introduction projects. Working closely with suppliers and internal teams, the Supplier Development Engineer will drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance supplier capability, and ensure robust manufacturing and quality processes are maintained.

This position would suit a proactive and improvement-focused Supplier Development Engineer with experience within automotive manufacturing and a strong understanding of supplier development methodologies, ideally including carbon fibre and composite components. The successful Supplier Development Engineer will be comfortable travelling within the UK and internationally when required.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of supplier development strategies, processes and procedures to improve supplier capability, performance and product quality.
• Lead supplier development activities and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
• Manage supplier concerns, performance issues and resolution activities for current production and new programmes.
• Carry out supplier audits, site assessments and capability reviews.
• Prepare supplier action plans, Supplier Development Evaluations (SDEs), CCARs and regular performance reports.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement initiatives alongside internal stakeholders.
• Support new supplier onboarding and new component introduction activities.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Procurement and Material Control functions to ensure successful project delivery.
• Ensure supplier visits are documented and actions are tracked through to completion.
• Investigate supplier-related production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilise continuous improvement and quality tools including 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC and Value Stream Mapping.
• Support PPAP and APQP activities across the supply base.
• Review supplier manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and delivery performance.
• Manage manual performance data within Excel and utilise business systems including Scanlogic and 3DX (Dassault).

Requirements of the Role

• Proven experience within Supplier Development Engineering in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in supplier development, supplier assessments, supplier audits and performance management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and commodity management.
• Experience working with OEM or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Working knowledge of PPAP and APQP methodologies.
• Experience using quality and continuous improvement tools including 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA and SPC.
• Experience using Excel for data analysis, reporting and performance tracking.
• Knowledge of Scanlogic and 3DX (Dassault) advantageous.
• Understanding of supplier auditing, capability improvement and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with carbon fibre and composite manufacturing processes highly desirable.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or DMAIC problem-solving experience preferred.
• Full UK Driving Licence essential.
• Valid Passport required.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, including the US.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Supplier Development Engineer looking to join a specialist automotive environment where supplier capability, continuous improvement and operational excellence are at the forefront of operations, apply today.