Supplier Quality Engineer

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), one of Europe's leading aerospace forging and precision manufacturing companies, is expanding and looking to recruit a Supplier Quality Engineer to join its Sheffield-based team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Supplier Quality Engineer to join a highly respected aerospace manufacturing organisation. Working closely with Procurement, Quality, Manufacturing and external suppliers, the successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring supplier performance, product quality and supply chain compliance across one of the most technically advanced forging operations in Europe.

Company Details - Independent Forgings and Alloys

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.

As a key supplier into the global aerospace sector, IFA manufactures critical forged components for some of the world's most demanding aerospace applications, operating to the highest standards of quality, compliance and manufacturing excellence.

Job Vacancy

As the Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, taking responsibility for managing supplier quality performance across a diverse aerospace supply chain. You will work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure purchased products and services consistently meet customer, aerospace and regulatory requirements. The role will focus on supplier development, supplier auditing, non-conformance management, root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement activities throughout the supply chain.

You will be a key quality representative within the business, supporting supplier approval, supplier performance monitoring and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to ensure quality, delivery and compliance objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage supplier quality performance across the aerospace supply chain

* Conduct supplier audits, assessments and qualification activities in line with customer and regulatory requirements

* Support supplier approval and supplier development programmes

* Drive continuous improvement activities with suppliers to improve quality, delivery and operational performance

* Investigate supplier-related non-conformances and quality issues using structured problem-solving techniques

* Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities with suppliers

* Monitor supplier KPIs and performance metrics, identifying trends and improvement opportunities

* Support supplier compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP and other customer-specific aerospace quality requirements

* Work closely with Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality teams to resolve supplier quality concerns

* Review supplier documentation including quality plans, process controls, FAIRs, certification records and supplier approvals

* Support customer audits, supplier audits and third-party assessments

* Participate in supplier risk assessments and performance reviews

* Develop and maintain supplier quality procedures, processes and documentation

* Support new supplier on boarding and new product introduction activities

* Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Qualifications and Experience

* Previous experience in a Supplier Quality Engineer, Quality Engineer or Supplier Development role

* Proven experience within an aerospace manufacturing environment is highly desirable

* Strong knowledge of supplier quality assurance methodologies and quality management systems

* Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier performance

* Experience investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective and preventive actions

* Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills

* Knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as 8D, FMEA, PFMEA, SPC, APQP and RCCA

* Experience working with engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

* Ability to build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal teams

* Experience supporting customer audits and regulatory compliance activities would be advantageous

* Lead Auditor qualification or experience auditing to ISO 9001, AS9100 or NADCAP standards would be advantageous

Salary Information

* Starting salary between £40,000 - £50,000, depending on experience

* Permanent position with long-term career opportunities

* Training and professional development support

* Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment

* 33 days holiday

* Pension scheme with employer contribution

* Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan

* On-site parking available

Recruitment Process

This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the first-stage pre-screen interview. Any questions, please contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent directly
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed