Supplier Development Engineer

Job description

The SDE will guide suppliers through the Safran industrial validation processes, leading or supporting all phases as required. They will ensure efficient project management of all product transfers from Safran HE UK to the supply chain and will ensure compliance to Safran standards for industrialization. Where suppliers experience challenges in meeting their QCD targets, the SDE will support problem solving and continuous improvement activity, both remotely and at suppliers' facilities.
Responsibilities shall include cross-functional project management to qualify new components, supporting issues with current production, developing new suppliers to reduce cost, increase capacity, improve quality, and auditing suppliers to ensure process conformance. Manage the customer specific requirements and offer technical support. Work on multiple phases or sub-tasks of projects or entire projects of moderate complexity, with results impacting on project completion.

Tasks:
• Support supplier selection through robust qualification processes
• Assess new and existing supplier capabilities to meet QCD targets and ensure their ability to comply with requirements for PPAP, APQP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other applicable standards
• Drive improvements utilizing Lean methodologies, ensuring supplier compliance, whilst driving systematic problem solving and process improvement plans to deliver value
• Track the supplier's key performance indicators
• Develop positive relationships and work closely with Procurement to manage, implement and track supplier/engineering, design changes, capacity studies New Product Introductions and transfers
• Deliver results as measured by key metrics, such as supplier OTD, and corrective & preventative action closure
• Guide and Coach the Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Procurement organizations to drive cost effective improvements to Quality and Manufacturing processes, minimizing waste, introduce new products and improve product design
• Provide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain about product development and procurement of parts
• Responsible for leading the solution for supplier component concerns, driving Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), customer interaction, supplier interaction,
• Assist with new product launch by working with suppliers to ensure that key milestones are achieved
• Ensure supplier process capability is effective
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities
• Write reports and present progress at project meetings and to clients
• Undertake personal continuous training and development
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems
• Develop and maintain strong relationships to ensure optimal performance
• Communicate efficiently throughout the procurement process
• Comply with the Health, Sa

Job requirements

Skills:
• Diplomatic approach to relationships
• Experience in Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and project management
• Experience in vendor qualification
• Knowledge of quality and business systems
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
• Strong experience of cross functional working
• Report and Procedure writing, with excellent presentation skills
• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings
• Understanding manufacturing processes
• Planning and prioritizing activities
• Ability to present data effectively
• Numerically astute with strong problem-solving skills and expertise to develop and execute objectives for self and others and the ability to effect short-term and some long-term business goals

Qualities:
• Relevant manufacturing/engineering degree preferred; ONC, A Levels, City & Guilds Level 3, BTec National Diploma Level 3, IVQ Technician Diploma or equivalent NVQ level 3 qualification
• Substantial experience in a precision manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or automotive
• Experience in supplier development
• Experience of dealing with customers and suppliers
• Assertive, optimistic, resilient and welcomes change
• Engages interest and participation of others and has a collaborative approach to working together
• Proactively contributes to the team
• Is self-aware and has ability to work on own initiative
• Shows moral courage, openness and honesty in all dealings
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills

Specificity of the job

Some travel required, estimated to be 2-3 times per month maximum

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defence and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 76,800 employees and sales of 15,3 billion euros in 2021 and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and innovation roadmap.

Safran was ranked as the world's third best employer in its sector by Forbes magazine in 2021.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world's leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.