Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary:

The UK Supply Quality Assurance Engineer is a pivotal role within the Supply Quality Assurance department, dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of product compliance and documentation integrity across the UK supply chain. This position reports directly to the Supplier Quality Leader/Quality Functional Manager and is instrumental in supporting the delivery of all facets of the Supply Quality Assurance function.

The incumbent will collaborate closely with suppliers to develop and implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste, and continuous improvement to meet all customer requirements. Key responsibilities include leading the supplier approval process, conducting capability and capacity assessments during supplier onboarding, driving the 24 key elements of Advanced Quality Planning (APQP), and supporting Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and snags clearances.

The role also involves managing cost recovery initiatives related to poor quality, overseeing supplier product and process qualification, and ensuring adherence to Health, Safety, and Environmental policies.

The UK Supply Quality Assurance Engineer will work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment, requiring strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a deep understanding of quality systems and manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

General and Task Management:

• Collaborate with Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability meets product and process requirements.
• Lead the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities and Health, Safety, and Environmental risks.
• Facilitate Zero Harm and Zero-Defect drive is a comprehensive initiative aimed at eliminating workplace accidents and product defects through rigorous application of safety protocols and quality control measures, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the supply chain
• Provide concise, complete, and accurate documentation of inspection results relative to the area of responsibility, including supporting inspection and test status requirements defined by regulations, engineering product specifications, or Control Plans.
• Promote the use of customer-preferred techniques for continuous improvement such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis, and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA).
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier quality issues.
• Perform on-site supplier visits for root cause analysis and verification of corrective actions.
• Collate and evaluate supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities within the supply chain.
• Work directly with suppliers to create corrective action plans to address process failures.
• Review supplier manufacturing processes, collaborate with suppliers on process improvement, and value enhancement opportunities.
• Facilitate the escalation of unresolved supplier quality issues within assigned projects and suppliers.
• Support the Supplier Quality Leader/Quality Functional Manager in monitoring and reporting on supplier product quality and performance.
• Report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to adhere to processes and prevent occurrences of any non-conformity relating to product, process, or system.
• Assist with first-off sample approvals.
• Participate in cross-functional teams in the development of new products or changes related to current products to meet customer requirements.
• Manage and coordinate supplier problem-solving on time, cost recovery, and supplier warranty indicators.
• Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact.

Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Recovery Drive:

• Lead initiatives to identify and reduce the Cost of Poor Quality within the supply chain.
• Develop and implement strategies to recover costs associated with poor quality from suppliers.
• Collaborate with finance and procurement teams to establish cost recovery mechanisms.

Supplier Product/Process Qualification and First Piece Qualification (FPQ):

• Oversee the qualification of supplier products and processes to ensure they meet company standards and customer requirements.
• Conduct First Piece Qualification (FPQ) to verify that the initial production parts meet specified requirements before full-scale production.
• Ensure that all qualified suppliers maintain their qualification status through regular audits and assessments.

Supplier Onboarding:

• Conduct capability and capacity assessments/audits (SRG Audit for suppliers in high-risk countries) during the supplier onboarding process to ensure they meet the company’s requirements.
• Develop and implement onboarding plans for new suppliers.

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP):

• Drive 5 Phases of APQP and the 24 key elements of APQP where applicable to project requirements, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly addressed and documented; PSW signed off; PPAP approved without deviation.

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Snags Clearances:

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to ensure that products meet specified requirements before shipment.
• Facilitate snags clearances to resolve any issues identified during FAT.
• Oversee pre-delivery shipment inspections to ensure products are ready for delivery and meet quality standards.

People Management:

• This position has no direct reports.
• Must be able to work in a team and across teams.
• Must be able to explain, mentor, and coach across all stakeholders and levels of the business.
• Coaching and Mentoring of Supply chain team members on the subject of Quality Improvement; APQP ; PPAP ;Qualification of product and process; risk assessment and mitigation; DZD tools; etc.

Relationship Management:

• Support business meetings as required.
• Act as the customer and be the customer’s eyes within the business.
• Liaise and communicate with other departments, customers, suppliers, and other service providers.

Self-Management:

• Comply with Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies.
• Be polite and courteous to others while being assertive, resilient, and open to change.
• Engage interest and participation of others and have a collaborative approach to working with others.
• Be self-aware.
• Show moral courage, openness, and honesty in all dealings.

SQDC Drive Description for Supply Chain Improvement:

• Safety: Implement Sort, Set in Order, Shine, and Standardize practices to identify and mitigate safety hazards, ensuring a secure working environment for all supply chain partners.
• Quality: Utilize SQDC principles to streamline quality control processes, reduce defects, and enhance product consistency across the supply chain.
• Delivery: Apply SQDC methodologies to optimize logistics and inventory management, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of products to customers.
• Cost: Employ SQDC practices to eliminate waste, reduce operational costs, and improve financial performance throughout the supply chain.

Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of quality systems and measurement tools and techniques.
• Strong working knowledge of AQAP2110/2105, Advanced Quality Planning (APQP), and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
• Understanding of engineering drawings (electrical and mechanical) and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to self-plan and prioritize.
• Negotiation skills.
• Ability to present data effectively.
• Analytical skills.
• Understanding of cost and financial impacts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs such as MS Project, Word, MS Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook.

Qualifications and Experience Levels:

• Relevant business/commercial or manufacturing/engineering degree preferred, or HNC, or equivalent NVQ level 4 qualification.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role.

It will be necessary to carry out background checks and suitability assessments (UK BPSS clearance OR Equivalent) as part of the hiring process. Read more on national security vetting levels here.

Why Join Us

• Collaborate with leading engineering, MoD, and defence partners on different GEV PCS programmes. across critical sectors including Renewable and Offshore Energy, Marine and Naval Defence, Oil & Gas and Industrial Processing, and Steel, Mining, and Heavy Industry.
• This role ensures that suppliers meet the rigorous quality standards required by these high-stakes industries, fostering robust supply chain relationships and driving continuous improvement in product and process quality.
• Take ownership of product functional safety, zero-defect initiatives, and security governance across a £multi-million project.

Benefits Include:

• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Employer-funded private health insurance, income protection, and life assurance
• Generous 10% employer pension contribution
• Customisable flexible benefits package.
• Hybrid/flexible work model (where applicable)

Flexible Working at GE Vernova

We know that life doesn’t fit into a one-size-fits-all schedule. That’s why we support flexible working, adaptable start and finish times or compressed hours where possible.