Supplier Development Engineer

IMI is a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. As a Supplier Development Engineer, you will lead qualification programs and drive performance improvements across the supply base, collaborating with various teams to enhance supplier capabilities and ensure quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Leads structured supplier improvement initiatives, delivering measurable gains in quality (SPPM), delivery (OTIF), and process robustness across the supply base
• Designs and executes tailored supplier development roadmaps, including on-site workshops, capability assessments, and targeted training programs
• Deploys the IMI Supplier Partnership program, tracking progress against agreed milestones and KPIs
• Leads and supports supplier qualification activities end-to-end, including PPAP/APQP, process validation, and industrial change management
• Conducts supplier audits and assessments covering quality systems, process capability, and industrial risk
• Evaluates supplier technical and manufacturing capabilities to support sourcing decisions, in close collaboration with Procurement
• Embeds preventive quality practices within the supply base, including process capability analysis, mistake-proofing, and standard work implementation
• Supports suppliers in meeting IMI quality system requirements and regulatory standards applicable to regulated industries
• Partners with Operations to conduct root cause analysis on supply-related quality escapes, with a systematic focus on long-term prevention
• Acts as the primary technical interface between suppliers and IMI Procurement, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams
• Contributes to cost and lead time improvement initiatives by developing supplier capability — complementing commercial negotiation with technical uplift
• Actively participates in cross-site supplier development initiatives within IMI

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or equivalent discipline)
• Significant experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Quality Engineering, or Industrial Engineering within a manufacturing environment
• Experience in a regulated industry (life sciences, automotive, analytical instrumentation or equivalent) is strongly valued
• Demonstrated experience delivering supplier improvement projects with measurable outcomes
• Conducting supplier audits and assessments
• Managing PPAP/APQP and industrial change processes
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with quality management systems applicable to regulated manufacturing environments (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 13485)
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and process capability tools (Cp/Cpk, SPC)
• Advanced degree preferred