Head of Supplier Quality Assurance

Key Accountabilities

• Supplier Quality Strategies: Define and implement the Supplier Quality vision, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and safety standards.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and inspire Supplier Quality and Receipt Inspection teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Safety Culture: Champion a safety-first mindset and empower team members to proactively address quality concerns.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives like Zero Defect (ZD), Continuous Improvement (CI), Six Sigma, and APQP within the supply chain.
• Risk Management: Use data-driven risk management to ensure conformity with management systems and meet program commitments.
• Team Development: Identify skills gaps and ensure team readiness through strategic training, budgeting, and performance management.
• Supplier Quality Audits: Manage the Supplier Quality audit program to align with certifications and enhance business processes.
• Resource Planning: Optimize resource deployment throughout the program lifecycle to ensure right-first-time outcomes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with internal and external partners to meet program objectives and maintain high-quality standards.
• Escalation Management: Represent senior management in addressing Supplier Quality Assurance concerns and provide expert guidance.

Requirements

• Competencies:
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Decision Making
  • Managing Performance
  • Commercial Awareness
  • Relationship Management
• Experience & Qualifications:
  • Minimum: 12+ years in quality assurance, supply chain management, or related roles in industrial environments, with 7+ years leading quality teams in complex supply chains.
  • Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) ‘Member’ grade or above.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant vocational qualification.
  • Preferred: 6+ years in defense industry with regional exposure.
  • Certifications: AS9100/ISO9001 Lead Auditor, APQP (AS9145) training.