Job description

Position Title: Senior Supplier Development Engineer

Duration: Permanent

Location: Onsite, Gothenburg, Sweden

About the company

Contechs is recruiting on behalf of our highly reputable automotive OEM in Gothenburg, Sweden. We are seeking a Senior Supplier Development Engineer.

Description of the assignment

As a Senior Supplier Development Engineer, you will take ownership of development activities for selected suppliers-both existing partners and potential new entrants-to enhance performance in quality, delivery, production, and financial metrics. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role where you will plan and drive improvement initiatives, build strong supplier relationships, and act as a Task Force leader in critical situations. You will report regularly to internal stakeholders and contribute to the strategic evolution of the companies Supplier Development processes.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Purchasing, Quality, Operations, Finance) to identify performance gaps and define measurable improvement targets.
Support suppliers in building and executing continuous improvement roadmaps that encompass quality, delivery reliability, cost efficiency, and production robustness-even down to sub-tier suppliers.
Lead structured improvement workshops (Kaizen, FMEA, Lean events) to drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
Act as Task Force leader during supplier crises-coordinate cross-functional teams, define mitigation plans, and ensure timely resolution.
Map and analyze Tier‑n supply networks to identify risks, capacity constraints, and opportunities for strategic sourcing or consolidation.
Lead organization‑development initiatives to standardize best practices, streamline processes, and ensure sustainability of improvements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers at all levels: Executive, Operations, Quality, and Engineering.
Provide regular updates and transparent feedback to internal customers, SCM leadership, and other stakeholders.
Contribute to the continuous refinement of the Supplier Development Manager role and associated processes.

Who you are

Proven track record implementing quality systems (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA) and driving operational performance in a manufacturing environment.
Skilled in influencing cross‑functional teams, coaching suppliers, and facilitating structured workshops.
Ability to take a holistic perspective-identify performance gaps, quantify financial or operational impacts, and drive toward defined goals.
Strong written and verbal English skills; experience collaborating with multicultural teams and senior leadership.
Experience mapping Tier‑n supply chains, conducting risk assessments, and developing strategies for tier‑level optimization (highly beneficial).
Comfortable leading "on‑fire" situations, synthesizing data quickly, and guiding cross‑functional action plans.

Additional "Nice‑to‑Have" Skills

Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma).
Prior experience supporting ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 certification efforts.

Proficiency with data‑analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab).
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Oracle).

Required Qualifications

University degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Quality, or similar) and/or Business (Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related).

+5 years of relevant experience in quality management, operations management, or supplier development-preferably within manufacturing or automotive industries.

The Process

If the above matches your ambitions, be sure to apply. Our selection process is ongoing, and the job advert will remain open until it's filled.

Ready to accelerate your career? Apply now and help us drive the future!

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the EU and ready to start work from June 9, 2025. *

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or cultural background.

If you know anyone that is suitable for the role, please visit the below page where we offer up to £600 referral fee: https://www.contechs.com/refer

Why work through Contechs?
Contechs is a leading Automotive, Design, Engineering, Technology and Innovation Recruitment Consultancy. Founded in 1997, with an inhouse Contractor Care Team to support all external employees, acts as an employment agency for permanent and contract recruitment.

We work with prestigious OEM brands such as Ford, JLR, Bentley, McLaren, Rivian, Geely, Lotus, Gordon Murray Automotive and many others to deliver the next generation of vehicles (ICE, EV, Hybrid) and connected services, working across all disciplines in the product development process.

Our award-winning design and engineering services provide our partners with the support and services they need to deliver global vehicle programmes.