Job Description

Are you an experienced Lead Supplier Quality Engineer?

HR Employment Bureau are looking for an experienced Lead Supplier Quality Engineer to manage and develop a team of Lead Supplier Quality Engineers responsible for supplier containment, controlled shipping, and supplier recovery activities across a portfolio of underperforming suppliers. This is working with one of our prestigious clients based in the Woking area.

Hours of work 07:00 – 16:30 Monday - Friday

Rate of pay £335 Per day – £365 Per day

Key Responsibilities of Lead Supplier Quality Engineer

* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4–6 Junior Supplier Quality Engineers.

* Prioritise and allocate supplier quality activities based on business risk and programme requirements.

* Act as the escalation point for critical supplier quality, containment, and recovery issues.

* Oversee deployment and management of CSL1 and CSL2 activities across the supplier base.

* Ensure robust containment plans are implemented to protect manufacturing from quality escapes.

* Review and approve containment exit criteria, corrective actions, and recovery plans.

* Drive suppliers to complete effective root cause analysis and corrective actions using 8D, 5 Why, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

* Monitor supplier performance through PPM, quality escapes, disruption events, corrective action closure, and containment effectiveness.

* Provide regular reporting to senior management on supplier risk, quality performance, and recovery progress.

* Support customer protection activities and rapid response to emerging quality concerns.

* Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Development, and Programme teams to minimise disruption and improve supplier performance.

* Manage third-party sorting and containment providers where required.

Essential Requirements of Lead Supplier Quality Engineer

* Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.

* Minimum 7 years' experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or Supplier Quality Assurance within automotive or advanced manufacturing.

* Proven experience leading supplier containment and recovery activities, including CSL1 and CSL2.

* Previous experience leading, coaching, or coordinating SQE teams.

* Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, 8D, and Root Cause Analysis.

* Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier quality management.

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with native English or minimum C1 proficiency.

* Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment.

Desirable Requirements

* Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

* Experience within OEM, motorsport, high-performance automotive, or Tier 1 manufacturing environments

* Experience leading supplier audits and supplier improvement programmes.

* Knowledge of machining, composites, assembly, castings, or complex engineered products.

Qualities we are looking for

* Strong leader with a hands-on approach.

* Results-focused with high levels of ownership and accountability.

* Decisive and confident managing supplier escalations.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

* Effective communicator capable of influencing suppliers and stakeholders at all levels.

If you are interested in this job role please apply online