Senior Supplier Development Engineer

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Supplier Development Engineer to drive supplier qualification, capability development, and continuous improvement initiatives across our supply base. In this role, you will collaborate with Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure suppliers meet business expectations in quality, delivery, cost, and operational excellence. You will play a key role in supplier onboarding, performance improvement, and long-term supplier development strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development programs to enhance supplier capabilities, performance, and operational excellence.
• Drive supplier qualification, assessment, and onboarding activities for new and existing suppliers.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing to evaluate supplier readiness and performance.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality standards and business requirements.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans focused on quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Facilitate supplier workshops and training programs on quality systems, process control, Lean methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and drive corrective actions to improve performance and achieve business objectives.
• Support problem-solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and Lean tools.
• Act as a key point of contact for supplier-related development and performance improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related functions within the electronics, automotive, EMS, connector, cable assembly, or industrial manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of supplier quality systems, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, GR&R, and 8D methodologies.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and driving supplier performance improvements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as stamping, molding, machining, PCBA, cable assembly, or mechanical assembly is highly preferred.
• Strong project management, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and coaching skills.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 Internal/Lead Auditor.
• Experience in multinational manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of supplier cost structure, process optimization, and continuous improvement practices