Manager, Supplier Development & Readiness

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 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 environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location. 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. And 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.

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!

Overview

As a Manager, Supplier Development & Readiness, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring suppliers are prepared to meet the production demands of the automotive industry. Your focus will be on managing supplier readiness and performance to meet project milestones, quality standards, and delivery schedules; building and leading a team.

What you’ll do

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

• Supplier Development: Evaluate and develop suppliers to ensure they meet production readiness for new programs, including tooling, equipment, and processes.
• Project Milestone Tracking: Steering the suppliers on the correct timeline to meet key project milestones, from pre-production through to mass production, by managing strong communication, risks, and mitigation strategies with the team of supplier managers.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on supplier readiness status, risks, and performance metrics to senior management and cross-functional teams on a commodity level.
• Quality and Performance Management: Monitor supplier performance regarding cost, quality, and delivery. Drive improvements where necessary to ensure alignment with company standards.
• Supplier Audits: Conduct regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with production requirements, quality standards, and regulatory guidelines.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain and implement action plans to address gaps and ensure continuity of supply.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with purchasing, engineering, quality, and logistics teams to ensure seamless integration of suppliers into the production process.
• Problem Solving: Lead efforts to resolve any supplier-related issues, including delays, quality concerns, or supply shortages.

Location & Travel Expectations :

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• The responsibilities of this role require attendance at 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 up to 50% of the time. This role requires travel to supplier locations to support critical situations, conduct assessments, and audits. Driver's license and 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. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in supplier development, procurement, or quality management within the automotive industry.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, or other automotive supplier readiness tools.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, supplier qualification, and readiness programs.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple suppliers and stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex issues and develop creative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to senior management and cross-functional teams.
• A team-oriented approach with a strong ability to collaborate across departments and with external suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when auditing supplier processes and reviewing readiness metrics.
• Experience in Building and leading teams
• Developing and Improving of the supplier management processes together with the team and cross functional
• Ability and willingness to travel 50% of the time, domestically and internationally.
• Valid driver's license.
• Passport.

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
  • 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 = $120,000.00 - $145,000.00

Internal leveling code: M8

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.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected].