Sr. Manager, Supplier Excellence

Job description

ABOUT US Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. ROLE SUMMARY Rivian VW Technology Group is seeking a technically adept, hands-on Manager of Supplier Excellence. This role is designed for a leader who isn't afraid to dive deep into the "nitty-gritty" of electromechanical systems while managing the quality performance of our contract manufacturers (CMs). You will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and floor-level execution, ensuring our electronic modules scale seamlessly from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the creation & implementation of best practice quality visions & procedures that specifically improve operational performance at Contract Manufacturers with a lean internal team. . - Technical Problem Solving: Identify, root cause, & track complex issues by working directly with internal stakeholders & CMs to implement improvements during production & vehicle launch. - Audit & Compliance: Perform & sustain VDA audits during sourcing & throughout the program life cycle. - Project Oversight: Drive the completion of PPA & Reifegrad Absicherung (RGA) or Maturity levels Assurance requirements from early development phases through Start of Production (SOP). - Performance Tracking: Manage & report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure project timing & quality standards are met. - Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify high-risk areas within both the engineering design cycle and the physical production environment. QUALIFICATIONS - Educational Background: BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or an equivalent technical field. - Experience: 10+ years in product development or volume manufacturing, specifically within high-rate production environments & PCBA manufacturing. - Proven experience in managing lean engineering teams within high-growth or startup-style environments where efficiency & technical self-sufficiency are paramount - Hands-on Depth: Ability to dive deep into electrical, software, & mechanical issues. - Technical expertise in automotive low voltage electronics (IPC-610 certification is a significant plus). - Quality Toolkit: Deep understanding of automotive PPAP, DFMEA, FMEA, Metrology, & various inspection methods/equipment. - Expertise in VDA 6.3 and the RGA framework for risk-based component qualification. - CM Management: Proven track record of working with Contract Manufacturers to drive manufacturing KPIs to the highest standards. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES - Adaptive Leadership: Ability to manage ambiguity & create clarity in complex situations while overseeing multiple projects simultaneously. - Communication: Excellent verbal & written skills for collaborating across cross-functional teams and external partners. - Operational Rigor: Strong documentation practices for tracking changes, test results, & issues. - Agility: A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. - Travel: Willingness to travel to contract manufacturer locations as needed to support production & test development activities. TOTAL REWARDS We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program. Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements. In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/. External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with