Head Of Supplier Quality Assurance

Join Us as Head of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA). Take on a transformative role that bridges our supply partners and internal operations, ensuring seamless delivery of conforming goods. As the Head of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA), you will lead supplier-focused initiatives, drive value-chain improvements, and enable program success by fostering a culture of quality excellence and collaboration.

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.
  
  

• 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.