Supplier Development Engineer

Job description

Role: Supplier Development Engineer
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Birmingham , United Kingdom
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time)

Careers at TCS: It means more

TCS is a purpose-led transformation company, built on belief. We do not just help businesses to transform through technology. We support them in making a meaningful difference to the people and communities they serve - our clients include some of the biggest brands in the UK and worldwide. For you, it means more to make an impact that matters, through challenging projects which demand ambitious innovation and thought leadership.

• It means more to take ownership of supplier development and performance, building capability, improving manufacturing processes and supporting reliable delivery across the supply chain.
• It means more to work closely with suppliers, manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and quality teams to identify capability gaps, resolve complex operational challenges and deliver sustainable improvements.
• It means more to build your next career step in a role where your expertise in supplier assessments, development plans, APQP/PPAP, problem-solving, risk management and continuous improvement can make a measurable impact on quality, cost, delivery and customer satisfaction.

The Role

The Supplier Development Engineer is responsible for improving supplier capability, manufacturing performance, and supply chain reliability while ensuring compliance with quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements.
Your Responsibilities

• Assess supplier capability, capacity, and performance gaps.
• Conduct supplier audits and manufacturing capability assessments.
• Lead supplier root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Monitor supplier quality, delivery, cost, and risk performance.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans.
• Drive process capability, defect reduction, and manufacturing improvements.
• Support APQP, PPAP, process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and procurement teams.
• Manage supplier risks, escalations, and recovery plans.
• Build strong supplier relationships and drive operational excellence.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Experience in supplier development within machining, casting, or forging environments.
• Knowledge of special processes including heat treatment, surface finishing, welding, brazing, sintering, and FPI.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and AS13100 quality standards.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, 8D, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Ability to assess supplier capability and manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and performance reviews.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Experience in supplier development planning and operational risk management.
• Project management experience within manufacturing environments.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience working in aerospace, defence, or regulated manufacturing industries.
• Strong communication, reporting, and presentation skills.