Director, Supplier Quality

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the all-electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Lead all supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques and quality control processes from the advanced development phase to mass production using APQP
• Lead and oversee all quality performance and functional standards quality in all vehicle activities are met in the supply chain to ensure Customer satisfaction.
• 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 that suppliers will meet industrialization, to schedule, and at cost to ensure quality.
• Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at the suppliers
• Responsible to ensure change management occurs and is identified properly
• 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
• Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers and Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to ensure proper transparency and communication
• Lead escalation meetings for Scout problem resolution with the cross functional teams to ensure fast response and closure
• Responsible to ensure supplier audits and corrective actions are completed on time ensure their ability to meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations and escalate properly
• Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics
•  Accountable for ongoing monitoring supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness for new products and design changes
• Support shop floor activities with production to address supplier concerns to ensure high quality production attainment.
• Responsible to review supplier requests and approve with cross functional requests.
• Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles
• Ensure suppliers have exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient and seamless production of high-quality products
• Assess completed supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure they are capable and robust using read across methodology for similar manufacturing lines and/or suppliers and escalate if needed.
• Facilitate new or alternative materials that will positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction;
• Participate in supplier reviews including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews
• Support / lead suppliers in efficient use of best methods of manufacturing, testing, and gauging, poke-yokes and correct tools or assembly equipment to use
• Drive Quality improvements with Engineering, Quality and Operations to ensure Quality KPI’s are met and drive to exceed expectations
• Lead the planning, execution and evaluation of root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies
• Responsible to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations as required to ensure KPI’s are met
• Build a team of Supplier Quality professionals to ensure the utmost caliber of supplier audits are conducted and build partnerships within the supply chain
• Mentor team members, foster a culture of learning, and facilitate skill development to enhance the capabilities of the team
• Work cross functionally with other departments within Scout
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Location & Travel Expectations: The responsibilities of this role require attendance at in-person meetings and events. This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, SC. 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. This role requires the ability to travel 50-80% of the time, including internationally, and requires a passport. 

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scouts to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in in mechanical/vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field
• 5 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 good operations experience and a very good understanding of the vehicle assembly/ functionality as a whole
• Great communications skills
• Sound knowledge of 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
• Leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams
• 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
• Ability to travel 50-80% of the time (International Travel Required - Passport Necessary)

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• 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 and to lease 1 vehicle at competitive rates 
  • A mobility stipend

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $200,000-$230,000

Internal leveling code: M6

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.