Sr. Specialist, Supplier Management

About the role

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pickup truck and rugged SUV marketplace by delivering supplier readiness expertise and driving launch excellence across Scout's supply base.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior subject matter expert in supplier readiness and industrialization, leading assessments of suppliers' manufacturing capabilities, tooling readiness, process maturity, and operational preparedness to support successful program launches.
• Drive supplier development initiatives across multiple programs, identifying opportunities to improve production readiness, manufacturing performance, and long-term scalability.
• Lead complex supplier readiness activities from pre-production through mass production, ensuring alignment with key program milestones, launch timing, and manufacturing objectives.
• Evaluate supplier readiness risks and influence action plans to support successful vehicle launches and program execution.
• Identify and assess supplier, manufacturing, and supply chain risks through data analysis, supplier evaluations, and readiness reviews. Develop and drive mitigation strategies to address capacity constraints, quality concerns, operational challenges, logistics disruptions, and supply continuity risks.
• Lead cross-functional supplier performance reviews focused on cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and operational excellence. Apply APQP, PPAP, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve supplier performance and manufacturing readiness.
• Conduct advanced supplier assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with quality requirements, launch readiness expectations, and industry standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Program Management teams on supplier readiness, launch risk, and manufacturing capability topics. Influence cross-functional decisions through deep expertise in supplier development, manufacturing operations, industrialization, and production readiness.
• Support resolution of complex supplier-related issues, including production constraints, launch challenges, quality concerns, and supply shortages.
• Develop and communicate supplier readiness metrics, performance trends, and risk assessments to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Utilize data-driven analysis to identify improvement opportunities and recommend actions that enhance supplier performance and launch readiness.

Requirements

• Experience 8+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, procurement, manufacturing engineering, launch management, or a related automotive field.
• Demonstrated expertise leading complex supplier readiness and industrialization activities across multiple suppliers, manufacturing processes, and vehicle programs.
• Advanced experience using APQP, PPAP, Supplier Readiness Reviews, Manufacturing Readiness Assessments, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Deep understanding of automotive manufacturing systems, supplier qualification processes, industrialization, and launch management.
• Proven ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated success resolving complex supplier, manufacturing, and supply chain challenges.
• Experience conducting supplier performance reviews and providing recommendations to senior leadership regarding readiness, risk, capacity, and operational improvement opportunities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence outcomes across internal teams and external supplier partners.
• High attention to detail and ability to evaluate supplier processes, readiness metrics, and operational performance indicators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.

Skills

• Supplier readiness and industrialization expertise.
• Advanced risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Supplier performance review and improvement methodologies.
• Collaboration and influence across cross-functional teams.
• Data analysis and communication skills.

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.

Pay

Initial Base Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Schedule

This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan, or Charlotte, North Carolina. The responsibilities of this role require 4-5 days attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 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, approximately 80% of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required.