Supplier Quality Engineer

Overall Objective:

Lead the development of quality activities to obtain reliable products, on-time, to the required quality standards, and manufactured with capable processes. Manage any internal non-conformance and non-compliance to prevent further recurrence. To apply world class quality tools and techniques to lead the continuous improvement activities and root cause analysis within the manufacturing processes.

To ensure business process improvements result in better operational effectiveness, efficiency, economies and product quality. To support the management and maintenance of the company systems for quality, environment and health and safety.

Facilitate supplier APQP activities with the quality validated L+G supply base, in the development of quality activities to obtain reliable products, on-time, to the required quality standards, and manufactured with capable processes. Manage any non-conformance and non-compliance to prevent further recurrence.

Key Performance Indicators / Dimensions of Function:

Root cause analysis, problem solving, SPC and closure, reduction of DPMO (PPM), support in APQP delivery and performance/PPAP sign-off, support in concession analysis and closure, review and reaction to MRB data, supplier audit rating, supplier delivery quality performance

Core Actions / Areas of Responsibility

• Support product and manufacturing quality assurance and regulatory conformance
• Assist in developing, maintain, and improving business processes, policies and procedures
• Coordinate improvement action programmes resulting from the review processes
• Lead the implementation of quality tools and techniques (such as SPC, pareto analysis, Ishikawa diagrams, 8D) to drive the continuous improvement activities within the manufacturing processes and build quality
• Support in creation and maintenance of process FMEAs to identify and reduce risk processes
• Perform root cause analysis of defects and ensure the 8D approach is used to establish the correct root cause(s) and that corrective and preventative actions are implemented in a timely manner
• Support in the creation and sign-off all internal PPAPs
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to monitor the supplied part performance in the factory and in the field and support the root cause analysis and improvement activities with the Supplier APQP Engineers when required
• Manage internal non-conformance costs, quantities, reasons, and input the required performance data into the applicable performance monitoring databases
• Develop and manage improvement plans to drive performance improvement, where necessary
• Assist with supplier audits to qualify and verify the capability of suppliers to meet quality, cost and delivery requirements, in collaboration with L+G Procurement
• Manage the suppliers to deliver all the APQP requirements of NPI projects
• Manage the suppliers to ensure timely delivery of completed PPAPs for all supplied parts
• Create visit reports and KPIs to monitor the supplier achievement against commitments
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to influence product and process designs
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to monitor the supplied part performance in the factory and in the field and manage the root cause analysis and improvement activities with the suppliers when required
• Assist with supplier improvement plans should their performance not achieve the necessary quality performance targets
• Take the leadership and keep a close interaction with the supplier in case of acute and severe quality issues
• Work closely together with procurement and incoming goods inspection to run the daily business
• Participate in the supplier QBRs (Quarterly Business Review)
• Apply the use of world class quality tools and techniques to achieve success in the core actions and responsibilities
• Drive and oversee internal quality related functions such as the screening, segregating non-conforming stock, scrap process, reworks and quarantine
• Drive and coordinate the calibration of equipment and ESD compliance
  
  

Skills & Knowledge

Methodologies / Technologies / Professional Knowledge

Level

Business Relevance

Future Trend

Basic

Adv.

Exp.

Low

Med.

High

0

+

Communication skills X X 0

Organisational skills X X +

Quality Project Management X X +

/APQP/PPAP

Supplier development X X +

Continuous Improvement Projects X

Quality system auditing X X +

Health and Safety and/or X X 0

Environmental system auditing

Problem solving/root cause analysis/8D X X 0

Data analysis and presentation

Process improvement, e.g. Six Sigma X X 0

Greenbelt/DMAIC

Reading Engineering Specs/Drawings X X +

Experience:

Professional experience: Quality, Engineering, Auditing, Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis.

Project experience: Experience of working in supplier management, supplier development or supplier problem solving.

Leadership experience: Experience of leading improvement activities and quality APQP projects.

Intercultural experience: Working with senior management, customer and supplier contacts in person at their premises and via the telephone or Skype.

Person Specification / Educational / Additional Qua lifications

• Self-motivated and organised
• Experience in a quality related role within a manufacturing company, with strong problem solving and supplier management skills
• VDA 6.3 or ISO 9001 Auditor/Process Auditing skills
• APQP
• PPAP, SCAR, FMEAs
• Fully conversant with Management Systems, preferably including ISO9001, 14001 and 18001
• Ability to evaluate problems and develop effective solutions using DMAIC/8D tools and techniques
• Good understanding of process mapping, evaluation and control (Control Plans, SPC, Process Capability, Measurement Systems Analysis, Gauge R&R)
• Ability to analyse data and communicate performance and KPIs as well as potential opportunities for improvement
• Experience of Continuous Improvement through use of Lean methodology
• Good communications and visit report writing skills at all levels
• Good technical & administrative skills
• Computer literacy is essential – Microsoft software familiarity