Supplier Capability Development Specialist

Supplier Capability & Development Specialist

Help build Australia's future defence supply chain

Are you passionate about working with manufacturers to solve problems, improve capability and build long-term supplier partnerships?

We're seeking an experienced supplier quality professional to help identify, qualify and develop Australian manufacturers capable of supporting one of the country's most significant advanced manufacturing programs.

This isn't a production quality or inspection role.

Instead, you'll work directly with suppliers—helping them understand technical requirements, assess manufacturing capability, strengthen quality systems and become trusted partners within a highly regulated engineering environment.

If you enjoy influencing rather than policing, building relationships rather than inspecting products, and helping suppliers succeed, this is the opportunity you've been looking for.

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About the opportunity

Working for a Prime, you'll become the trusted quality and supplier capability partner for a diverse network of manufacturers.

Working alongside engineering, procurement and commercial stakeholders, you'll assess supplier readiness, identify capability gaps and guide suppliers through qualification requirements to ensure they can confidently deliver complex manufactured products.

No two days are the same.

One day you may be visiting a precision machining business to understand their manufacturing capability.

The next you could be reviewing quality systems, coaching suppliers through compliance expectations or helping develop improvement plans that enable suppliers to participate in nationally significant programs.

This is a highly collaborative position where your ability to build relationships is just as important as your technical expertise.

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What you'll be doing

• Assess supplier capability, manufacturing maturity and operational readiness
• Partner with suppliers to strengthen quality systems and technical capability
• Lead supplier qualification and onboarding activities
• Conduct supplier assessments and identify opportunities for capability improvement
• Work closely with engineering and procurement teams to ensure suppliers meet technical and contractual requirements
• Guide suppliers through quality, documentation and compliance expectations
• Support long-term supplier development rather than short-term issue resolution
• Build trusted relationships with manufacturers across Australia

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We're interested in people with experience in

• Supplier Quality
• Supplier Development
• Supplier Engineering
• Vendor Quality
• Manufacturing Quality
• Quality Engineering
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Defence
• Automotive
• Mining Equipment
• Heavy Manufacturing
• Rail
• Medical Devices

You don't need experience in every industry.

If you've helped manufacturers improve capability, qualify suppliers or strengthen quality systems within a complex engineering environment, we'd love to hear from you.

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You'll bring

• Experience assessing supplier capability rather than simply inspecting finished products
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality management systems
• Confidence engaging with suppliers, engineers and senior stakeholders
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing requirements
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Australian Citizenship

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Why you'll love it

✔ Influence the future capability of Australian manufacturing

✔ Work directly with suppliers rather than behind a desk

✔ Build long-term relationships with industry

✔ Solve complex technical and manufacturing challenges

✔ Be part of nationally significant advanced manufacturing programs

✔ Hybrid working environment