Supplier Quality & Development Manager

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GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

As the Supplier Quality and Development Manager
, you’ll support the Operational Procurement and Supplier Quality teams through targeted Supplier Development and Quality enhancement initiatives assigned to the Defence business line, to improve Supplier Quality and Delivery performance. You’ll lead supplier recovery activities with poor performing suppliers, ensuring full recovery and the implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence. You’ll also drive proactive supplier development activities such as rate readiness reviews, quality tool deployment and lean improvements with prioritised suppliers.

Your role involves supporting the development of a highly skilled Supplier Quality and Development organisation, fostering capability in the business line sites and with suppliers, and supporting the Zero Defect deployment culture within Procurement and the supply base. You will monitor supplier performance, analyse data and collaborate with Operational Procurement, Supplier Quality, Engineering, Quality and Design to agree improvement opportunities.

Reporting to the Supplier Quality & Development Director based in the U.S., this is a remote role with flexibility to work from home, requiring regular UK and international travel to supplier locations and manufacturing sites in Luton, Cowes (Isle of Wight), and Hoogeveen.

• Provide robust practical problem solving to supplier issues, obstacles, and complex issues causing disruption within the business line
• Lead supplier development activities in assigned area including reactive and proactive supplier improvement projects
• Support the deployment of new Quality assurance processes and compliance in the business line focused on supplier Quality and Development
• Support the development of the SQE personnel in the business line in terms of competency and capability
• Lead Supplier Evaluations, rate readiness assessments and supplier assessments
• Support the Zero Defect deployment in the supplier base as well as ZD culture and mindset within Procurement
• Creating a “Great place to work” and championing the GKN Aerospace culture principles

• Bachelor Degree, or recognised certification in Quality, Supplier Quality, or Auditing principles in Engineering or Quality related discipline
• Experience in Quality/Supplier Quality/Engineering roles
• Experience in procurement and interacting with suppliers on‑site and virtually to support key initiatives and business line processes
• Experience in Quality or Engineering leadership in cooperation with customers and suppliers
• Knowledge in quality requirements (for i.e., Automotive, Aerospace, or Medical)
• Experience in continuous improvement and RCCA
• Ability to work with essential data capture systems and produce usable charts, graphs, and high visibility SLT and ELT presentations
• Knowledge in Zero Defect deployment, culture and mindset
• Demonstrated interpersonal, organisational and communication skills
• Ability to lead, coach and mentor highly skilled and experienced direct reports
• Experience and skill with Microsoft office, and ERP systems
• Experience in working internationally

• Previous experience from Supplier Quality positions
• Experience in quality processes within engineering and design organizations
• Experience of supplier development using lean tools
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge in all…