Supplier Development Engineer

Your mission

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.

Key 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 we are looking for

• 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.

What we offer

We offer you a position in a global organisation where you are challenged with interesting and diverse tasks. These tasks will provide a great opportunity for you to grow professionally.

Our benefits include

• Private medical care
• Life insurance
• Transport allowance
• Meal subsidy / Meal allowance
• An extra day off for your birthday
• MultiSport or Medicover Sport card
• Free coffee and tea plus Fruit Wednesdays

Ready to apply?

By joining Hiab, you will work closely with leading industry professionals, developing and implementing concepts that set the standards for the world's leading provider of on-road load handling equipment, intelligent services, and smart, connected solutions.

If you are excited about this opportunity, please submit your CV.