Director, Supplier Quality

About the role

Lead all supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to serial production.

Ensure professional business acumen of SQEs at Suppliers to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations and core values are met and that suppliers can meet the industrialization related activities on time with the Supplier Quality team.

Responsible for Supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain.

Work as a partner with the Supply chain to ensure escalations of issues are raised and resolutions are solved in a timely manner.

Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality and manufacturability.

Ensure suppliers have exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.

Build a team of Supplier Quality professionals to ensure the utmost caliber of supplier audits are conducted and build partnerships within the supply chain.

Oversee daily operations and mentor team members, fostering a culture of learning and facilitating skill development to enhance the capabilities of the Supplier Quality team.

Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.

Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead all supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to serial production.
• Ensure professional business acumen of SQEs at Suppliers to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations and core values are met and that suppliers can meet the industrialization related activities on time with the Supplier Quality team.
• Responsible for Supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain.
• Work as a partner with the Supply chain to ensure escalations of issues are raised and resolutions are solved in a timely manner.
• Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality and manufacturability.
• Ensure suppliers have exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.
• Build a team of Supplier Quality professionals to ensure the utmost caliber of supplier audits are conducted and build partnerships within the supply chain.
• Oversee daily operations and mentor team members, fostering a culture of learning and facilitating skill development to enhance the capabilities of the Supplier Quality team.
• Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in in mechanical/vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field.
• 15 years of experience in automotive engineering/product quality, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in an OEM/Tier 1.
• Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production and supply chain management.
• Excellent Operations experience and a very good understanding of the vehicle assembly/ functionality as a whole.
• Sound knowledge of Supplier Quality Management.
• Financial Acumen Required.
• Experience in Quality Systems a plus: PPAP/APQP processes; In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection.
• Understanding of safety requirements.
• Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal- and result-oriented decision-making skills.
• Proven results and ability to direct supplier activities at the management level to ensure suppliers can meet customer requirements and expectations.
• Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
• Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis as well as an ability to explain complex issues in a concise and plain manner.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Passport required.

Skills

• Supplier Quality Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Vehicle Development
• Operations
• Supplier Audits
• Project Management
• Technical Writing

Benefits

• Competitive insurance including: Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans.
• 401(k) program with: An employer match and immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off including: 20 days planned PTO, as accrued; 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders.
• Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave.
• Corporate Vehicle Program with: Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle; A mobility stipend.

Pay

Initial base salary range = $180,000.00 - $220,000.00

Schedule

This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina. This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time. Travel: Domestic and international travel required, about 50-80% of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required.