The Opportunity
Hitachi Energy is looking for a Global Supplier Development Engineer focused on the key global category Oils, Chemicals and Plastics (Transformer Oils, Epoxy, Polyurethanes, Silicon, Paints, Adhesives etc.)
In this role, you will ensure suppliers deliver high-quality components for transformer applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness. You will implement proactive quality assurance processes to enhance delivery performance and align with our category strategy.
Your responsibilities include leading supplier assessments, managing development initiatives, overseeing parts approvals, and driving continuous improvement—ultimately strengthening supplier partnerships and contributing to operational excellence.
How You'll Make An Impact
Lead the supplier qualification process by conducting SAP Ariba assessments and executing global on-site audits to ensure supplier compliance and capability.
Implement improvement actions at suppliers based on audit findings and identified process improvements, fostering enhanced collaboration and quality outcomes.
Oversee the global material approval process to ensure supplier materials and components meet technical and operational requirements for critical materials in the Transformers Business Unit.
Monitor supplier performance indicators and drive the annual Supplier Performance Evaluation process to identify and address low-performing suppliers.
Develop and implement action plans for supplier performance recovery, working closely with suppliers to ensure the effectiveness of corrective measures.
Resolve escalated non-conformities with suppliers by leading root cause analysis and ensuring proper implementation of corrective actions.
Drive continuous improvement in supplier management processes at a global level, reflecting lessons learned and promoting best practices across the business unit.
Lead key SCM tool/system improvement projects within the Supplier Quality and Development domain.
Act as project lead for single/sole source elimination in critical general categories.
The SQE will be reporting to the Global Supplier Development Manager and work in close collaboration with Global Category Manager for Oils, Gas, Chemicals and Plastics.
Your Background
Bachelor's and/or master's degree in one of the disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Engineer, Polymer Science, or Chemistry (or similar).
10+ years of quality assurance or supplier development experience in the chemicals (e.g. transformer insulation oils (mineral oil, synthetic or natural esters), epoxy or polyurethane systems, silicons, paints, adhesives).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Solid experience with production process assessment and in-depth understanding of quality control/assurance methods in the chemical production environment.
Deep knowledge of Quality and Continuous Improvement tools (Kaizen, DMAIC, A3, 8D, 5Why Analysis).
Expertise in APQP/PPAP, P-FMEA, Process Control Plan, SPC, and inspection processes.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a structured, proactive, and result-oriented approach.
Excellent communication skills for effective interaction in an international environment.
Willingness to travel internationally for supplier audits and assessments frequently.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future through innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core.
Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives.
With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system.
Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. We welcome you to apply today.