Supplier Quality Lead

To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Supplier Quality Lead located in either Blackburn or Kendal, United Kingdom.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Supplier Quality Lead is responsible for ensuring that all externally supplied materials and components consistently meet quality, delivery, and regulatory requirements. The role leads supplier quality performance, drives measurable improvements across the supply base, and mitigates supply chain risk through robust control, engagement, and development of key suppliers.

What a typical day looks like:

• Lead supplier quality activities, driving structured development plans and continuous improvement initiatives for key and underperforming suppliers.
• Oversee supplier non-conformance management, ensuring effective containment, robust root cause analysis, corrective actions, and timely closure.
• Monitor supplier quality performance through scorecards, KPIs, audits, and regular business reviews.
• Ensure suppliers are qualified, risk-assessed, and compliant before new product introductions and major process changes.
• Lead supplier PPAP activities and support validation of engineering and process changes affecting product quality.
• Maintain supplier quality documentation and provide support during customer, regulatory, and certification audits.
• Partner with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other stakeholders to improve supplier capability, capacity, and process control.
• Manage and develop the Supplier Quality Technician, providing coaching, technical guidance, and performance leadership.
• Identify risks, escalate supplier performance concerns, and drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions

The experience we’re looking to add to our team:

• Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or a similar manufacturing quality role.
• Strong knowledge of quality methodologies and tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, APQP, and PPAP.
• Experience working with ISO standards and conducting supplier audits.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence both technical and commercial teams.
• Results-driven mindset with experience delivering measurable quality improvements.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel between manufacturing and supplier sites as required.
• Experience within electrical manufacturing, switchgear, or engineered products environments is advantageous.

What you’ll receive for the great work you provide:

• An environment where you will feel fulfilled by your work, valued for your contribution, and celebrated for your success;
• Opportunities to learn new skills in a fast-paced industry;
• A competitive salary and benefits package that includes:
  • A merit-based annual pay review
  • Enhanced annual leave
  • Employee recognition scheme and long service awards
  • Referral bonus
  • Volunteer days
  • Group Life Insurance, including a death in service payment and access to a virtual GP service 24/7 365 days a year
  • Sick pay scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

• Flexible/Hybrid Work based on your Job Function;
• Travel opportunities (role dependent);
• Support in your well-being by access to:
  • Employee Assistance Programme offering free access to qualified counsellors and expert advice
  • On-site trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Access to various discount programs (including food, activities, gym memberships etc.)

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