Supplier Development Engineer

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The Supplier Development Engineer is responsible for driving the technical development
and performance of suppliers within a specific commodity or technology area (Hydraulics,
Cylinders, Steel Structures, Electrics, Power Train). This role focuses on developing and
maintaining technical expertise in the assigned commodity while supporting a flexible
team structure capable of handling a broad range of technology projects.

The Supplier Development Engineer will lead key supplier initiatives, including managing the PPAP
(Production Part Approval Process), supplier assessments, sustainability audits, and
supplier performance reviews. They will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to
enhance technical capabilities, ensure scalability, and drive value creation and continuous
improvement efforts.
 

Main tasks and responsibilities

Technical Expertise and Project Management:
● Develop in-depth technical expertise in assigned commodities (e.g., Hydraulics,
Cylinders, Steel Structures, Electrics, Power Train) and technologies, ensuring a deep
understanding of supplier capabilities and industry best practices.
● Maintain a flexible team structure to effectively manage diverse technology projects within
the scope of the assigned commodity.
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage New Product Developments (NPDs),
source changes, and product design modifications to meet organizational needs.
PPAP Ownership:
● Assume ownership of the PPAP procedure, ensuring that all production parts meet quality
and technical standards before production release.
● Manage New Product Development (NPD) processes with suppliers, ensuring smooth
execution from initial design through to production.
● Oversee source changes, ensuring compliance with all necessary approvals and technical
requirements.
Supplier Assessments and Capacity Evaluation:
● Lead supplier assessments, conducting technical evaluations and performance audits to
ensure alignment with quality, capacity, and operational standards.
● Perform sustainability audits and capacity evaluations, ensuring suppliers are capable of
meeting long-term production demands and sustainability goals.
● Continuously review supplier performance to ensure scalability and identify areas for
improvement.
Supplier Development and Recovery:
● Oversee the development and execution of recovery plans for suppliers facing escalated
technical or operational issues.
● Work closely with suppliers to define clear action plans, provide technical support, and
ensure the successful resolution of any supplier-related challenges.
Supplier Roadmap and Performance Management:
● Develop and implement comprehensive supplier roadmaps, detailing focus areas for
improvement, performance goals, and milestones.
● Establish a robust monitoring and governance framework to track supplier performance
and progress against defined targets.
● Regularly update and communicate the status of supplier development initiatives to key
stakeholders within the organization.
Value Creation and Sourcing Collaboration:
● Lead value creation initiatives with suppliers, driving cost reduction, process optimization,
and product innovation efforts in collaboration with the SD Excellence team and broader
sourcing organization.
● Work with suppliers to implement continuous improvement strategies that enhance
product quality, reduce lead times, and optimize overall supply chain efficiency.
Supplier Technical Capability and SWOT Analysis:
● Conduct detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses of
suppliers’ technical capabilities, using the results to guide future supplier selection and
project development strategies.
● Provide strategic recommendations based on supplier analysis to support the
organization’s long-term goals and product development needs.
Sustainability and Continuous Improvement:
● Drive the execution of sustainability initiatives in collaboration with assigned suppliers,
ensuring environmental and social governance (ESG) targets are met and exceeded.
● Implement continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to drive
operational enhancements within the supplier base and foster a culture of ongoing
improvement.
 

What you’ll need to succeed

● Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s
degree is a plus).
● Strong technical expertise in one of the following commodities: Hydraulics, Cylinders,
Steel Structures, Electrics, or Power Train.
● Proven experience in supplier development, quality management, or procurement, with a
focus on technical supplier relationships.
● In-depth knowledge of the PPAP process, New Product Development (NPD) cycles, and
source change management.
● Strong understanding of sustainability audits, capacity evaluations, and supplier
performance assessments.
● Experience in leading recovery plans and resolving escalated supplier issues effectively.
● Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or
Kaizen.
● Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven
decisions.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with
suppliers and internal stakeholders.
● Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple projects and
priorities.

Desired behaviour:
● Highly organized and detail-oriented with a focus on results.
● Proactive, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
● Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
● Passion for driving technical innovation and continuous improvement.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a global team.

Interested to join?