Job Description

Supplier Capability Development Specialist

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Supplier Capability & Development Specialist

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Help build Australia's future defence supply chain

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

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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.

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This isn't a production quality or inspection role.

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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.

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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

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

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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.

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No two days are the same.

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

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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.

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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

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- Assess supplier capability,



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

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- Manufacturing Quality
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- Quality Engineering
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- Advanced Manufacturing
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- Aerospace
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- Defence
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- Automotive
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- Mining Equipment
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- Heavy Manufacturing
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- Rail
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- Medical Devices
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You don't need experience in every industry.

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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

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

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- Influence the future capability of Australian manufacturing
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- Work directly with suppliers rather than behind a desk
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- Build long-term relationships with industry
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- Solve complex technical and manufacturing challenges
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- Be part of nationally significant advanced manufacturing programs
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- Hybrid working workplace
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Unlock job insights

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Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

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What can I earn as a Development Specialist

📌 Supplier Capability Development Specialist (South Australia)
🏢 Acuity Partners
📍 South Australia