Lead Supplier QA Engineer
National Gas ·
- Seniority
- Lead
- Category
- QA
- Salary
- GBP 55,744 – 65,581 / year
A supplier quality assurance lead at National Gas who ensures vendors delivering products and services for Britain's gas network meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Day to day: running supplier audits and site visits, leading non-conformance investigations (8D, 5 Whys, FTA), maintaining the Qualified Vendor Database, and tracking corrective actions. Hybrid role based in Bristol or Warw
Lead Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer
£55,744 to £65,581 + up to 6% bonus
Hybrid in either Bristol or Warwick
About us
At National Gas, the work we do matters.
As Britain's national gas network, we help keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm by maintaining the critical infrastructure that transports gas across Great Britain. While providing the energy security Britain relies on today, we're also helping transform the network for a clean energy future.
Join us and help secure Britain's energy.
About the role
The Lead Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer role exists to provide specialist quality assurance expertise across the supply chain, ensuring that suppliers delivering products and services to National Gas meet defined quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Operating within a centre of excellence for Quality Assurance, the role mitigates supply‑chain risk through vendor assessment, monitoring, and continuous improvement of supplier performance in line with business and network needs.
Why this role matters
What you'll be doing
- Deliver supplier quality assurance activities, including vendor qualification, monitoring, and performance assessment in accordance with risk and business priorities.
- Act as the Quality Assurance subject‑matter expert on supplier quality requirements, deviation requests, and technical quality queries.
- Lead investigations into supplier non‑conformances, ensuring risks are controlled, corrective actions are implemented, and recurrence is prevented.
- Plan and conduct supplier audits and site visits, assessing process capability, controls, and compliance with standards and legislation.
- Maintain and update the Qualified Vendor Database (QVD) and associated quality records.
- Produce clear, evidence‑based supplier audit reports and track corrective actions to closure within agreed timescales.
- Work with suppliers to develop, review, and approve quality plans and inspection/test plans.
- Coordinate supplier change requests, ensuring all technical and quality approvals are obtained prior to implementation.
- Support procurement and strategic sourcing activities by providing informed quality assurance input.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of supplier quality assurance processes, policies, and standards.
What you'll bring
Knowledge & Experience
- Proven experience in supplier quality assurance, supplier audits, and vendor performance assessment within a regulated or safety‑critical environment.
- Strong understanding of quality management systems, assurance methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
- Experience leading supplier non‑conformance investigations using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys, FTA).
- Good working knowledge of procurement legislation, contracting models, and commercial assurance in regulated sectors.
- Practical engineering knowledge with experience in mechanical or electrical equipment, manufacturing processes, and associated standards.
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with the ability to assess risk and apply proportionate assurance.
- Effective communication and influencing skills, able to engage confidently with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple assurance activities to meet business needs and deadlines.
- High attention to detail, with the ability to document findings clearly and robustly.
What we offer
- Market-leading double-match pension (up to 12% company contribution)
- Annual performance bonus up to 6%
- Access to the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme
- 26 days holiday (plus statutory holidays)
- 10x salary life assurance and income protection
- Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and technology options
- Family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities
Security clearance
This role is subject to National Security Vetting (NSV). Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) throughout their employment. For further information, visit (UK Security Vetting: Clearance Levels). #LI-CW1
Inclusive recruitment
We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.