Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of our supplier chain to deliver components and materials.

This role involves working closely with customers and suppliers to develop and implement quality assurance processes, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives with a strong focus on sustainability.

About Us

Connected Energy is leading the way in the development of battery energy storage solutions. We are one of only a handful of energy storage companies worldwide that have developed the technology to use second-life electric vehicle batteries as an energy storage system. Our product is changing the way businesses manage their energy and we have systems in operation on commercial sites across the UK and Europe.

With a number of recent strategic investors, including Volvo Energy and Caterpillar Ventures, the company is scaling-up our operations fast and developing a new product range on an industrial scale.

We are in a major period of growth and expanding fast so this is a great time to join us and become part of our exciting journey.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of our supplier chain to deliver components and materials supplied for our BESS projects and for the final delivered product.

This role involves working closely with customers and suppliers to develop and implement quality assurance processes, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives with a strong focus on sustainability.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to Head of Supply Chain.
• Works closely with the Procurement and Engineering teams.
• Regularly interacts with customers, suppliers, and external auditors.
• Provides updates and reports to senior management on supplier quality performance and issues.

You will be based in our Hethel Technical Centre, Norfolk, with some flexibility for hybrid/remote working. The role will involve substantial travel as required.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain supplier quality assurance capabilities, processes, and procedures.
• Own and maintain supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues and implement temporary and permanent corrective actions. Lead concession, 8D and quality issue resolution.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure supplier quality requirements are met, including input into the initial design and supplier selection.
• Participate in the selection and qualification of new suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality and performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Implement and manage quality systems such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, and other relevant standards.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to quality systems and processes.
• Promote and integrate sustainability practices within the supply chain.
• Evaluate suppliers' sustainability practices and work with them to improve their environmental impact.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the supplier quality process.
• Develop, maintain, and achieve SQA metrics.
• Ensure supply base achieves and maintains quality standards.
• Support all quality-related issues internally and externally.

Person Specification

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the energy storage or renewable energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies and tools.
• Experienced and familiar with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) framework and tools such as FMEA and PPAP).
• Experience with supplier audits and assessments.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Broad understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Analytical with an attention to detail.
• Driven and results-focused.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to BESS.
• Automotive industry experience (OEM or Tier 1).
• Capable of fostering cross-functional engagement and collaboration.
• Self-learner, can-do attitude, and ability to think outside the box.
• Willingness to travel worldwide at short notice, working at supplier's sites to resolve problems.
• Full driving licence.
• Certification in Quality Management (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Familiarity with battery technologies and energy storage systems.
• Experience in implementing sustainability initiatives within the supply chain.

What We Value

Our values are core to our business and define our company, our people, and how we work. We look for people who share our values.

Here are some of the qualities that we look for in our people:

• Innovators: you'll be able to think outside the box, always looking to find the best solution.
• Ambitious: we think big and look for people who are happy to think independently and use their initiative to help us to become a global leader in our field.
• Sustainability-minded: you'll have a passion for making the world a better place with an interest in green technology.
• Collaborative: you'll be a team player and willing to establish partnerships within the business and with our partners.
• Trusted: always acting with integrity, transparency and with respect for others.
• Adaptable: you'll also be comfortable with change in a fast-paced environment.

As an equal opportunities employer, we do not discriminate based on any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities in an inclusive work environment.

Connected Energy is conscious that some groups of people, especially women, are statistically less likely to apply for a role if they feel they do not fully meet the requirements. If you like what we do, align with our values and think that you can do the job well, regardless of whether you meet 100% of the job requirements, the Connected Energy team would encourage you to apply.

Employee Benefits

As well as the opportunity to be part of a growing, global, clean technology business, our additional benefits include:

A company-matched pension, health care cash plan, income protection, an EV car and bike scheme, share options, and a great environment to work in.

VISA Sponsorship

Connected Energy is happy to consider VISA sponsorship options throughout our recruitment process.

Candidates should make clear their right to work and VISA status upon application to our hiring team.