Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of supplier quality performance within Norton Motorcycles' manufacturing environment. Acting as the primary interface between the Supplier Quality and Plant Quality functions, you will ensure supplier-related quality concerns are effectively contained, investigated, communicated, and resolved to minimise disruption to production.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and suppliers, you will drive supplier accountability through structured problem-solving, robust KPI reporting, and continuous improvement activities. This role is critical in maintaining supplier quality performance, reducing production downtime, and ensuring compliance with Norton Motorcycles' quality standards and recognised automotive quality systems.

Duties/Responsibilities

Act as the primary operational contact for supplier quality issues affecting manufacturing

Manage supplier non-conformances from identification through to effective containment, corrective action, verification and closure

Coordinate containment activities to minimise production disruption and protect product quality

Lead supplier root cause investigations using recognised methodologies including 8D, 5 Why and Ishikawa

Monitor and drive supplier corrective actions to ensure timely and effective resolution

Maintain accurate supplier quality records, documentation and issue tracking systems

Develop and maintain supplier quality KPI dashboards and performance reporting

Analyse supplier performance data to identify recurring issues, trends and improvement opportunities

Support Supplier Quality Development activities by providing operational performance feedback and issue escalation

Work closely with Plant Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Purchasing to ensure alignment on supplier quality performance

Participate in production quality reviews, supplier meetings and cross-functional improvement activities

Support supplier visits, investigations and quality reviews where required

Ensure supplier quality activities comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and Norton Motorcycles quality standards

Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the supplier quality process

Support internal and external quality audits relating to supplier performance

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Quality Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience

Minimum of three years' experience within Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality or a similar automotive quality role

Experience working within an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment

Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

Practical experience using AIAG Core Tools, including: APQP PPAP PFMEA Control Plans SPC MSA

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

MSA

Experience managing supplier non-conformances and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as: 8D 5 Why Ishikawa (Fishbone)

8D

5 Why

Ishikawa (Fishbone)

Ability to interpret engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

Strong analytical and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and supplier organisations

Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949)

Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher)

Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems

Knowledge of Power BI or equivalent reporting tools

Membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or a recognised engineering institution

We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team:

Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience

33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge

Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.

Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best

Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what

FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!

WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme

Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.

Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!

A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!

Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire

Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.

Join us and see for yourself!

PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS