Join Axon and be a Force for Good.
At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.
Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.
Your Impact
The Supplier Quality NPI & Process Excellence Manager is a member of the Global Quality & HW Reliability team. The role aims to execute a unified approach to managing Quality throughout the supply chain with the intent to deliver world class quality products, services and processes that meet the high standards of Axon. The primary focus of this role for Supplier Quality is two-fold:
NPI Rigor:
- Be a core member of the NPI team. Engage in new supplier and Contract Manufacturer selection and qualification, including sub-tiers affecting final product quality involving critical processes, to ensure that supplier capabilities are well aligned with Axon requirements.
- Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews with suppliers and ensure timely part qualifications using PPAP methodology. Implement and communicate supplier performance on CTQs to drive continuous improvements and capable processes.
- Deliver in time on Axon’s Product Lifecycle (APL) gate exit requirements for each milestone.
Process Excellence:
- Develop and implement best in class Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Design, develop and implement visual dashboards using tools such as Power BI to monitor and drive excellence on Supplier Quality KPIs & Metrics & Measures (M&Ms)
- Conduct operating reviews for the global supplier quality team, and at the enterprise level on supplier performance metrics; influence improvements in functional KPIs, processes and operating mechanisms.
He/She will represent the voice of Quality to our supply chain partners and is a continuous quality improvement force within the organization through effective interactions and collaboration with the broader Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering and Product Management teams as well as within the QA organization.
What You’ll Do
Location: Scottsdale, AZ office
Reports to: Senior Director, Global Supplier Quality
Travel Requirements ~20% travel potential. This could vary based on situational demand.
The Supplier Quality NPI & Process Excellence Manager is responsible for the following:
New Product Introduction (NPI) Supplier Quality activities including supplier selection & qualification, supplier assessments and part approvals.
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- Ensuring new supplier capability assessments in partnership with Supply Chain and Engineering.
- Working with suppliers to build strong partnerships, establish timelines for part qualifications and accomplish timely PPAP approvals in support of product launch.
- Ensuring measurement methods between supplier and Axon are aligned upfront.
- Establishing and maintaining an Approved Supplier List (ASL) for Axon with systemic controls for supplier add/remove.
- Developing, implementing, and continuously improving global procedures, work instructions, and guidance, while training to operationalize Supplier Quality requirements.
- Supporting processes adopted by Supplier Quality and Supplier Development team members globally for consistent execution through training, coaching, tool support, and guidance.
- Establishing Key Performance Indicators for Supplier Performance Management.
- Establishing Supplier Quality performance dashboards and facilitating KPI/metrics reviews and business reviews with global team; circulating meeting minutes and follows up on closure of all open actions.
- Identifying system-wide risks, develops risk mitigation plans, and drives actions to closure. Demonstrating knowledge and courage to escalate risks early.
- Leading SCAR Review Board with team members to drive supplier corrective actions. Improving timeliness and effectiveness of SCARs.
- Developing and implementing Corrective Action plans for internal and external audit findings.
- Leading the monitoring and execution of Supplier Quality Manual with suppliers. Tracking lessons learned, identifies, and incorporates updates to the Manual.
- Working with IT to automate and use data to drive simplicity and effectiveness of Supplier Quality Processes such as Supplier Corrective Actions, Supplier Onboarding, etc.
- Ensuring effective change control process to proactively communicate with suppliers regarding any changes in design or process affecting form, fit, or function of the product.
- Developing a supplier audit plan (QMS and process audits) for the year, ensures assignment of auditors and monitors execution per schedule.
- Reporting Cost of Quality estimates on ‘supplier at fault’ issues for cross-charge to suppliers.
What You Bring
- 5-10 years’ experience in supplier quality or product quality, including managing people.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- Power BI and Tableau programming skills to be able to develop dashboards and data views.
- Proficient in MS Office suite of applications. Proficiency in Minitab.
- CMQ/OE, CQE and CSSBB certifications are preferred. CRE certification a plus.
- Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and statistical tools. Experience with implementing the AIAG Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) process and elements with external suppliers.
- Ability to effectively collaborate at all levels within the organization, influence and coordinate suppliers and internal groups with speed and accuracy.
- Generate and implement cost saving ideas for the business, including process and design improvements.
- Highly motivated with a high sense of urgency and accountability.
- Self-directed with a proactive mindset to identify problems and leading teams to solve them.
- Inherent sense of curiosity predisposed to learning and driving to root cause.
- Healthy dose of skepticism to challenge the status quo of existing systems and processes in pursuit of continuous improvement.
- Ability to operate in a dynamic environment to execute multiple priorities, being responsive to emergencies, or wherein processes and procedures are not well defined or documented.
Benefits that Benefit You
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- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionary paid time off
- Paid parental leave for all
- Medical, Dental, Vision plans
- Fitness Programs
- Emotional & Mental Wellness support
- Learning & Development programs
- And yes, we have snacks in our offices
Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.
The Pay: Axon is a total compensation company, meaning compensation is made up of base pay, bonus, and stock awards. The starting base pay for this role is between USD 105,000 in the lowest geographic market and USD 175,000 in the highest geographic market. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: level, function, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, geographic market, and often a combination of all these factors. Our benefits offer an array of options to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. To see more details on our benefits offerings please visit www.axon.com/careers/benefits (http://www.axon.com/careers/benefits).
Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Important Notes
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.
Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.