Supplier Quality Manager

Date: Apr 22, 2025
- Location: St. Thomas, CA
- Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.
- Level of Experience: Management
- Job Function: Operations
- Job ID: 3101

**Supplier Quality Manager**:
**With whom you will CELLebrate**

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job - it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Reporting to our Director - Quality, our **Supplier Quality Manager** will be responsible for overseeing and improving the quality standards of all external suppliers to ensure materials and components meet stringent manufacturing and product requirements. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role will manage supplier quality assurance, develop robust inspection criteria, and ensure continuous improvement from all suppliers. This position is pivotal in establishing supplier relationships that support the factory’s high-performance expectations, especially during the critical ramp-up phase.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us

**How you will CELLebrate**
- Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive supplier quality assurance program. This includes establishing quality standards, guidelines, and expectations that suppliers must meet to support the production goals of the battery factory during its ramp-up phase.
- Lead the qualification and approval process for new suppliers, ensuring that their capabilities, systems, and processes align with the factory’s quality requirements. Conduct initial audits, risk assessments, and performance evaluations to validate their suitability.
- Define and track supplier quality metrics, such as defect rates, delivery accuracy, and adherence to quality standards. Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to regularly evaluate supplier performance, generating insights that inform continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop an annual audit plan for suppliers, conducting audits to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Evaluate suppliers' manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and adherence to regulatory requirements, documenting findings and corrective actions.
- In cases of quality deviations or non-conformances, lead root cause analysis investigations with suppliers to pinpoint underlying issues.
- Collaborate to develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions, following up to verify that improvements are sustained over time.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related issues with suppliers, coordinating with internal teams (e.g., Production, Engineering, Quality Assurance) to quickly resolve any issues that may impact production timelines or product quality. Escalate critical issues to senior management when necessary.
- Partner with suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on process optimization, waste reduction, and defect prevention. Facilitate training and capability-building sessions for suppliers on quality best practices and standards to strengthen their alignment with the factory’s operational goals.
- Identify potential risks in the supplier base that could impact production, such as supply chain disruptions or quality control weaknesses.
- Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans, including alternative supplier identification and crisis management protocols.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, promoting transparency, trust, and a commitment to shared quality goals. Encourage open communication and proactive problem-solving to foster long-term partnerships.
- Generate detailed reports and presentations on supplier quality performance, trends, and improvement initiatives.
- Provide regular updates to the Quality Director and other senior leadership, highlighting achievements, ongoing challenges, and strategic recommendations. Ensure all supplier quality activities comply with industry regulations, company policies, and customer requirements. Maintain thorough documentation for audits, corrective actions, and supplier communications to ensure traceability and compliance readiness.

**What you need for our CELLebration**
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical or Chemical), Materials Science or Quality Management
- 7+ years of relevant experience within large-scale automotive, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing operations (chemical, electronics, etc.) is required 5+ years’ experience managing and mentoring