Supplier Quality Auditor

New Resource Group; Melksham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Summary:

New Resource Recruitment is proud to partner with a forward-thinking specialist manufacturer that champions integrity, resilience, and excellence at every level of the business. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and a people-first culture, our client believes that true success is built through motivated, empowered teams and a leadership style rooted in shared values and long-term vision.

Scope of the Role:

The Supplier Quality Auditor is responsible for ensuring suppliers meet the required quality standards. This role involves selecting, assessing, and developing suppliers to drive improvements in quality and performance. By applying methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean, the engineer will work to enhance supplier capabilities and foster long-term reliability. This position plays a critical role in supporting the growth and success of the electronics value stream through continuous supplier development and performance optimisation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Monitor supplier performance; identify and drive process improvements, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
2. Maintain and update supplier corrective actions and corrective action logs.
3. Develop the supply base and improve supplier quality performance.
4. Work with problem suppliers to generate improvement plans or recommend supplier replacement if needed.
5. Promote effective communication between the company and suppliers on quality-related issues.
6. Provide guidance to suppliers to ensure product/process compliance with applicable standards, engineering specifications, and quality requirements.
7. Lead and take ownership of improvement projects.
8. Evaluate supplier performance trends through non-conformance reports, delivery reports, and supplier rating data to identify areas for improvement.
9. Provide guidance to "goods-in" inspection teams for adjustments in inspection and testing processes.
10. Push inspection requirements onto suppliers to improve productivity on-site.
11. Take proactive action with suppliers that demonstrate unfavourable performance trends.
12. Perform audits of existing suppliers to baseline their quality systems and capabilities, identifying areas for improvement.
13. Assist suppliers on-site to improve their processes and systems and develop and implement corrective actions.
14. Address tooling or part design issues with Engineering teams to resolve issues and improve process capability.

Ideal Candidate:

Background & Skills

1. 5+ years of experience in supplier quality management or a related field.
2. Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with external teams.
3. Experience in electronics, plastics, or rubber processing.
4. Experience with underwater systems or thermal imaging is a plus.
5. Proficient in formal supplier quality system assessments and part qualifications.
6. ISO 9001 Quality System experience.
7. Proven ability to work independently while demonstrating strong teamwork and leadership skills.
8. Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and process evaluation.
9. Knowledgeable in process control tools.
10. Willingness to travel (up to 20%, including occasional international travel).

Education & Training

1. Bachelor's degree in a technical field (mechanical, electrical, manufacturing engineering preferred) or equivalent work experience.
2. Six Sigma or Statistical Process Control training (Green Belt or equivalent).
3. Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing, with the ability to support events at suppliers.
4. Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), including design, execution, and result analysis.

This vacancy is being advertised by New Resource Group. The services of New Resource Group are that of an Employment Agency.