Description Supplier Development Engineer Location: UK Optimas is a global leader in integrated supply chain solutions, specialising in fasteners, components, industrial, and safety supplies. We provide comprehensive engineering support to a diverse customer base worldwide. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the unique needs of every community we serve, allowing us to adapt quickly and offer highly personalised service, no matter where our customers are. To learn more, visit our website: www.optimas.com. Position Overview Optimas is seeking a proactive and experienced Supplier Development Engineer to join our team. This role involves working closely with the Supplier Development Manager (UK & Europe) to oversee and improve our regional supplier base. The successful candidate will play a vital role in driving supplier performance, ensuring compliance, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. This position reports directly to the Supplier Development Manager (UK & Europe), International. Key Responsibilities Supplier Audits: Plan, manage, and conduct both scheduled and ad-hoc supplier audits in line with the Supplier Audit Plan and business needs. Ensure timely completion, address non-compliance issues, and facilitate re-audits when necessary. Compliance Assurance: Ensure all assigned regional suppliers comply with the Optimas Supplier Manual and ethical standards. Supplier Approval & Onboarding: Add and maintain assigned suppliers on the Approved Supplier List, ensuring proper onboarding, including Feasibility, APQP, NPI, PPAP, Compliance, Delivery & Packaging requirements. Supplier Assessments: Oversee the submission of supplier self-assessments and audits, ensuring adherence to industry standards such as CQI-9, 11, 12. New Product Introduction (NPI): Support the Strategic Sourcing, Commercial & Bid, and New Item Introduction teams with supplier APQP processes, ensuring timely project delivery. PPAP Support: Assist the Optimas PPAP GCOE when supplier PPAP submissions require additional resolution. Supplier Development & Cost Enhancement: Work with Strategic Sourcing on supplier development initiatives and EBITDA improvement strategies. Supplier Improvement Initiatives: Drive supplier performance improvement projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and maintaining customer focus. Problem-Solving & Quality Assurance: Support supplier problem-solving activities, including assisting Optimas Quality Engineering teams with resolving quality concerns. COPQ Management: Lead Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) activities and collaborate with suppliers to implement corrective actions. Training & Development: Conduct supplier training programmes on APQP, PPAP, and Concern Management (8D). Performance Reporting: Provide regular regional activity reports, summarising performance metrics and progress against objectives. Process Improvement: Support the Supplier Development Manager in continuously improving existing processes and developing new supplier management systems. Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Supplier Development function in internal and supplier management reviews and audits. Compliance & Documentation: Ensure adherence to all relevant policies and procedures, maintaining comprehensive and accessible records. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Audit Adherence: On-time completion and closure of supplier audits. Supplier Status Improvement: Achieving agreed supplier ratings (e.g., "A" status). COPQ Reduction: Lowering PPM (Parts Per Million) and incidents for assigned suppliers. EBITDA Growth: Enhancing supplier profitability in line with agreements. Non-Conformance Resolution: Timely and effective resolution of NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports). Cost Recovery: Maximising cost recovery from supplier NCRs. Corrective Action Validation: Ensuring validated 8D corrective actions from suppliers. Supplier Engagement: Time spent working directly with suppliers. APQP Contributions: Supporting new supplier and project activities. Key Competencies Strategic Vision Strong Collaboration Skills (Internal & External) Results-Oriented Approach Ability to Adapt to Change Entrepreneurial Mindset Customer-Centric Focus Ability to Work Both Independently and in a Team Required Skills & Qualifications Education: Degree in Metallurgy or Engineering Experience: Proven background in a Quality Role Certifications: Lead Auditor Qualification (IATF 16949 or VDA 6.3) Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt minimum) Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems Proficiency in APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, PPAP, and 8D problem-solving techniques Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing tools Knowledge of fasteners and manufacturing processes Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications Experience with measurement and test equipment. Other Requirements: Ability to travel frequently within the region (by car, train, or plane) Willingness to travel internationally as required Valid Full Driving Licence Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) Strong communication skills (email, phone, and in-person) Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. If you are a driven professional who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact, we want to hear from you! Optimas OE Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, ensuring fair treatment of all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We comply with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination and employment regulations across our locations.