Our Automotive Tier 1 client are seeking an SQA Engineer to join their growing team in Norfolk.
We are seeking an experienced SQA to improve the end-to-end supply chain performance of product and service suppliers. This includes: the development of supply chain-related procedures and processes; supplier assessment and qualification; management of supplier concerns; leading/coordinating supplier APQP activities; management of problem resolution and other quality/purchasing improvement initiatives and activities.
The role includes assessment of the current supplier base to identify, evaluate and develop suppliers capable of providing cost-effective quality components for existing and future projects. We are looking for someone who is a confident communicator at all levels, and who is prepared to travel up to 50% of the time in the UK, with some occasional travel overseas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Carrying out supplier qualification assessments including detailed on-site process audits (to automotive standards)
• Preparing sourcing recommendations based on the results of supplier assessment activities
• Communication and implementation of supplier quality and inspection requirements
• Leading the implementation of supplier development activities with the aim of delivering year-on-year supplier QCD improvements
• Establishing supplier scorecards monitoring quality, delivery and commercial performance
• Leading the successful implementation and owning the delivery of specific APQP / PPAP for New Product Introduction and sourcing activities
• Working closely with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing and Programme Management on supplier selection for new products and services
• Approving new products and services in line with company procedures
• Dealing with specific non-conforming product containment incidents, identifying root causes and ensuring robust and rigorous problem resolution in a timely manner
• Leading supplier monitoring visits and audits, both in the UK and overseas, as required
• Supporting the implementation and subsequent maintenance of systems and processes to ensure compliance with the ISO9001 Management Systems standard
Key skills / experience;
• At least 3-4 years’ experience
• Experience gained in a supply chain quality environment, preferably in high volume automotive manufacturing business, but not essential
• Experience of automotive supplier assessment and selection activities
• Experience of auditing both internal and supplier processes
• Experience of supplier development programmes to drive quality improvements
• Knowledge of APQP tools and techniques (including FMEA and Control Plans)
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, process capability and problem resolution tools (8D, 5 Why, 6 Sigma etc.) and techniques
• Knowledge and experience of automotive product development process and activities
• Good communication and professional presentation skills for customer and supplier interfacing
• Capable of organising and managing priorities, utilise problem solving techniques
• Commercial analysis and budgeting skills, experience of working to customer contract terms
• Computer literate, with advanced MS Word, PowerPoint & Excel skills/abilities, MS Project expertise preferred
• Experience of IATF16949 standard an advantage.