Supplier Development Engineer

Reporting to the Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist, the Supplier Development Engineer is to work in conjunction with the supply chain, planning, engineering, and quality functions, supporting the strategic and tactical business requirements developing both new and existing suppliers. This role plays a key role in forging effective relationships internally and in the external supply chain., Own supplier audit and evaluation to ensure conformance.

Own the assessment of new and existing supplier capabilities to meet the expected OTIF delivery, quality, cost, HSE, and applicable regulations, industrial standards, RLC and RLC's customer requirements.

Regularly monitor supplier KPI performance and take actions to secure continuous compliance and take lead on supplier improvement activities, including putting development plans in place.

Supplier development and process improvement - work with suppliers to ensure that robust process controls are in place to ensure compliance and prevent nonconformities. Drive systematic problem solving, process control and continuous improvement activities.

Supplier quality monitoring and management - manage the supplier quality performance issues, serve as the liaison between the suppliers and RLC Quality & Engineering team. Initiate and see through the resolving of supplier nonconformance issue including supplier quality plan engagement/effectiveness, and corrective & preventative action closure.

Assist NPI and product transfer management by working with cross-functional team and the suppliers to ensure that key milestones are achieved , including qualifying new supplier and/or components, FAI and PPAP.

Drive supplier selection through robust qualification processes. Carry out supplier pre-assessment, approval and qualification processes and validation audits Follow initial approval, manage maintenance and surveillance of suppliers to ensure continuous compliance.

Support supplier business reviews and supplier visits.

Develop positive relationships and work closely with RLC cross-functional team and suppliers.

Ensure adherence to functional processes and procedures and at all times ensure own compliance to the company's code of ethics and health & safety practices.

Currently hold or working towards CIPS Membership and/or significant industry experience. Relevant engineering degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum 5 years supplier development and management experience in the aerospace industry.

Proven experience in supplier qualification, audit and evaluation and supplier development.

Proven experience of nurturing and developing supplier relationships.

Desirable

Aerospace industry

Knowledge & Skills

Strong knowledge of aerospace products, manufacturing processes, technologies, standards and regulations.

Strong knowledge of APQP, FAI, PPAP, FMEA, root cause analysis, 8D and continuous improvement.

Knowledge of business management system. ERP & Microsoft Office PC skills.

Process driven. Numerically astute with strong problem-solving skill.

Ability to present data effectively.

Desirable

Lean/Six Sigma improvement techniques.

Project management

Personal Qualities

Strong organisation skills structured and eye for details.

Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

High integrity standards, open & honesty.

Self-starter and have a willingness to learn and develop.

Ability to work unsupervised. Able to work both independently, and in a team.

Desirable

Adapts quickly to new situations

Embraces change

Demonstrates sense of urgency

Circumstances

Travel is essential in this job role with potential overnight stays. Around 30%

Driving license required.

RLC Group

Altham, England

RLC has been a trusted partner in the aerospace industry since 1955.

With operating facilities in the United Kingdom, Isla of Man, and Singapore, RLC is well positioned with the capability, technology and experience to deliver customer requirements.

The RLC Group of companies are relationship-based businesses. Our primary focus is customer service, from initial discussions through to delivery to the end product. We work with a small number of customers so that we can optimise the value we being to the relationship. We bring solutions to challenges so that we become a trusted partner., Please be aware that many roles working for RLC (UK) Ltd will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including new starter's nationality, any previous or dual nationalities held, place of birth and country of residence may limit those roles that you can perform for the organisation.

All offers of employment will be conditional upon and subject to receiving satisfactory results from BPSS screening.