Development Engineer

We are seeking a highly capable Supplier Development Engineer to join a dynamic Procurement & Supply Chain division. In this role, you'll act as a trusted advisor to a diverse global supply base - providing technical expertise, ensuring operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement in supplier performance.

You'll be instrumental in maximizing Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM), leading supplier capability assessments, and supporting manufacturing excellence through robust quality plans and supplier development initiatives.

• Trusted Advisor:
  Serve as a dedicated partner for assigned suppliers - conducting on-site audits, reviewing supplier capabilities, and driving the implementation of Lean practices, Built-in-Quality (BIQ), and APQP methodologies.

• Technical Expertise:
  Provide leadership and guidance to suppliers in executing comprehensive quality plans, continuous improvement strategies, and process controls. Support both new and existing suppliers in meeting corporate and customer requirements for quality, cost, and delivery.

• Continuous Process Improvement:
  Collaborate closely with suppliers to identify, implement, and sustain process improvements. Ensure suppliers have the required skills, tools, and equipment, and oversee adherence to Process Change Notification (PCN) procedures.

• Quality Leadership:
  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of manufacturing processes, trends, and quality standards. Oversee Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) completion and approval, lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, and resolve complex quality issues relating to purchased components and materials.

Essential Experience:

• Background in engineering or manufacturing environments.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies.

• Knowledge of shop operations, maintenance procedures, and quality standards.

• Familiarity with 6 Sigma tools and techniques (Green Belt certification or equivalent experience preferred).

• Awareness of procurement processes, systems, and tools.

Key Skills:

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.

• Self-starter with strong organizational and time management abilities.

• Ability to lead, coach, and engage cross-functional supplier teams.

• Proficiency in using statistical and problem-solving tools.

• High level of personal accountability and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

This role is part of a development pathway with opportunities to progress into positions such as:

• Senior Supplier Development Engineer

• Global Category Manager

• Facility Supply Manager

• Procurement Technical Professional

• Engineering Supervisor or Manager

Be part of a forward-thinking procurement team committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable supplier partnerships. You'll have the autonomy to make a measurable impact while working on exciting, high-profile projects within a collaborative, supportive environment.

Interested?
We'd love to hear from you! Apply today or contact us for a confidential chat about your next career move.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.