Head of Supplier Quality & Development

Department: Quality

Location: Windlesham

At Gordon Murray Automotive, we’re not just engineering vehicles; we’re building a legacy. To deliver the next generation of world-class cars, we need a supply chain that is as innovative, reliable, and robust as our designs. That’s where you come in, creating “Driving Perfection.”

We are seeking an inspiring and experienced Head of Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) to lead the charge in defining, shaping, and embedding supplier quality excellence across all our vehicle programmes. This is not simply about managing suppliers; it’s about laying the foundations of a supply chain that will power our business for years to come. You will be the strategic interface between Engineering, Procurement, and Manufacturing, ensuring our partners are as committed to excellence as we are.

This is your chance to:

• Vision & Strategy: Define and execute a robust SQD strategy that aligns with GMA’s business objectives and the unique "Driving Perfection" philosophy.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a multi-disciplinary team. Drive KPIs including PPAP maturation, nomination audits, and capacity validation.
• Supplier Nomination: Ensure the supply base is competent through rigorous research, robust site audits, and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
• NPI & Industrialisation: Oversee the implementation of APQP for all new tooled parts. Ensure suppliers meet launch commitments and part pedigree requirements for build phases.
• Risk Management: Drive Supplier/Component Risk Assessments. Identify critical-path components and develop mitigation strategies to protect vehicle launches.
• Performance & Escalation: Act as the ultimate escalation point for critical supplier quality issues. Lead recovery plans for underperforming or distressed suppliers.
• Process Excellence: Ensure supplier compliance with GMA Quality Manuals, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001 standards.
• Crisis Response: Lead the on-site response to emergency supply chain threats (e.g., natural disasters, insolvency, or major quality failures).

• Expert Leadership: Significant senior experience leading Supplier Quality teams at a Senior Manager or Head of Function level within a premium Automotive OEM.
• Global Pedigree: Proven track record of managing global supplier footprints across multiple vehicle launches and high-pressure series production environments.
• Technical Breadth: A deep understanding of diverse automotive systems (Mechanical, Electrical, or Composites) and their associated manufacturing processes.
• Launch Expertise: Mastery of APQP and PPAP. You must be able to interrogate a programme plan and evaluate a supplier’s true ability to deliver to GMA milestones.
• Influence: Experience interacting with supplier boards and directors to drive major open-issue resolutions and strategic improvements.
• Problem Solving: The ability to carry out complex scenario planning and establish immediate mitigation actions for high-risk components.
• Qualifications: Technically or Engineering qualified to Degree standard, with a thorough understanding of IATF 16949 and modern industrialisation deliverables.

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.