Sr. Specialist, Supplier Management

Job description

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again. But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work. The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range. At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion. Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now! What You'll Do 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. Supplier Readiness & Development • 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. Program Launch & Readiness Leadership • 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. Advanced Risk Management • 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. Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement • 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. Cross-Functional Influence & Collaboration • 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. Reporting & Analytics • 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. Location & Travel Expectations • 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 . What You'll Bring We expect all Scout employees 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. 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. Technical & Leadership Skills • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated success resolving complex supplier, manufacturing, and su