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.
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 cooperative position where your ability to build relationships is just as important as your technical expertise.




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
We're interested in people with experience in
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.
You'll bring
Experience assessing supplier capability rather than simply inspecting finished products
Robust 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
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
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📌 Supplier Capability Development Specialist (Adelaide)
🏢 @
📍 Adelaide