Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers.

Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!

At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.

So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!

The Role

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of supplier quality performance within Norton Motorcycles' manufacturing environment. Acting as the primary interface between the Supplier Quality and Plant Quality functions, you will ensure supplier-related quality concerns are effectively contained, investigated, communicated, and resolved to minimise disruption to production.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and suppliers, you will drive supplier accountability through structured problem-solving, robust KPI reporting, and continuous improvement activities. This role is critical in maintaining supplier quality performance, reducing production downtime, and ensuring compliance with Norton Motorcycles' quality standards and recognised automotive quality systems.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Act as the primary operational contact for supplier quality issues affecting manufacturing

• Manage supplier non-conformances from identification through to effective containment, corrective action, verification and closure

• Coordinate containment activities to minimise production disruption and protect product quality

• Lead supplier root cause investigations using recognised methodologies including 8D, 5 Why and Ishikawa

• Monitor and drive supplier corrective actions to ensure timely and effective resolution

• Maintain accurate supplier quality records, documentation and issue tracking systems

• Develop and maintain supplier quality KPI dashboards and performance reporting

• Analyse supplier performance data to identify recurring issues, trends and improvement opportunities

• Support Supplier Quality Development activities by providing operational performance feedback and issue escalation

• Work closely with Plant Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Purchasing to ensure alignment on supplier quality performance

• Participate in production quality reviews, supplier meetings and cross-functional improvement activities

• Support supplier visits, investigations and quality reviews where required

• Ensure supplier quality activities comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and Norton Motorcycles quality standards

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the supplier quality process

• Support internal and external quality audits relating to supplier performance

Requirements

Essential

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Quality Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience

• Minimum of three years' experience within Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality or a similar automotive quality role

• Experience working within an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment

• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

• Practical experience using AIAG Core Tools, including:

  • APQP

  • PPAP

  • PFMEA

  • Control Plans

  • SPC

  • MSA

• Experience managing supplier non-conformances and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as:

  • 8D

  • 5 Why

  • Ishikawa (Fishbone)

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

• Strong analytical and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and supplier organisations

Desirable

• Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949)

• Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher)

• Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems

• Knowledge of Power BI or equivalent reporting tools

• Membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or a recognised engineering institution

Rewards of working for Norton:

We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team:

• Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience

• 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge

• Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.

• Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best

• Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what

• FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!

• WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme

• Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.

• Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!

• A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

• Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!

• Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire

• Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.

Join us and see for yourself!

PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS