Aerospace Supplier Recovery Lead

At Quest Global, it’s not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. With over 25 years as an engineering services provider, we believe in the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Our people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place—to make a positive difference that contributes to a brighter future. We bring together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals who are empowered by an intentional workplace culture, to solve problems better and faster.

Role Summary

The Supplier Recovery Lead is responsible for restoring and sustaining supplier performance across a portfolio of aerospace manufacturing suppliers. This role leads critical supplier recovery initiatives to eliminate delivery risks, improve manufacturing execution, and ensure suppliers meet contractual commitments for on-time delivery.

Working closely with supplier executive leadership and cross-functional internal teams, the Supplier Recovery Lead serves as the primary escalation point for underperforming suppliers. Approximately 70% of the role involves travel to supplier facilities to assess operations, lead recovery efforts, and advise on sustainable operational improvements.

What would a successful profile look like?

The ideal candidate is a decisive, hands-on operations leader who thrives in challenging manufacturing environments. They are comfortable working on supplier shop floors, engaging with executive leadership, and driving rapid operational improvements. Success in this role requires strong technical knowledge, exceptional communication skills, resilience under pressure, and the ability to influence outcomes across complex global supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supplier recovery engagements for suppliers experiencing delivery, capacity, quality, or operational performance issues.
• Perform on-site operational assessments to identify manufacturing bottlenecks, material shortages, scheduling issues, and capacity constraints.
• Develop comprehensive supplier recovery plans with clear actions, ownership, milestones, and measurable performance objectives.
• Drive execution of recovery plans through daily management, regular progress reviews, and executive-level governance.
• Partner with supplier leadership to improve production planning, scheduling, inventory management, workforce utilisation, and manufacturing flow.
• Lead structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Monitor supplier performance using key metrics including On-Time Delivery (OTD), Past Due Orders, Capacity Utilisation, Yield, Cycle Time, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Coordinate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to align recovery priorities and resolve constraints.
• Support supplier readiness for production ramp-ups, engineering changes, and new product introductions.
• Facilitate daily supplier performance reviews and weekly executive business reviews.
• Identify long-term continuous improvement opportunities using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Document recovery progress, risks, and executive summaries for senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, supplier development, operations, supply chain, or production leadership.
• Proven experience leading supplier recovery, operational turnaround, or manufacturing improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, assembly, composites, or special processes.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• Demonstrated ability to influence executive-level supplier stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting commercial aerospace, defense, or space manufacturing programs.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• APICS/ASCM Supply Chain certification.
• Experience with supplier risk management and capacity planning.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 70% travel to domestic supplier manufacturing sites.
• Frequent overnight travel with the flexibility to respond to urgent supplier issues.
• Ability to travel on short notice to support critical production recovery activities.
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally.