Regional Supplier Quality Assurance Manager

Job Overview

About AESC US LLC

AESC stands as a global frontrunner in the innovation and production of advanced batteries tailored for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Our state-of-the-art technology and dependability are pivotal in propelling the shift towards sustainable energy alternatives. With rapid growth, AESC batteries are set to power over 1,000,000 electric vehicles for leading automotive manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered in Japan, our manufacturing facilities span across Japan, China, the UK, France, Spain, and the U.S.

AESC Mission

Our commitment is to address the challenges of a sustainable future. Together, we can create a significant impact.

Role Responsibilities

• Facilitates the standardization and expansion of both regional and global supplier quality frameworks.
• Coordinates the assessment and selection process for suppliers.
• Reviews and authorizes Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions from suppliers in collaboration with a cross-functional team.
• Prepares and submits supplier performance evaluations while developing comprehensive action plans for underperforming suppliers.
• Leads corrective action initiatives related to supplier 8D reports and Parts Inspection Requests (PIRs).
• Contributes to the formulation and standardization of a global Supplier Quality Manual.
• Prepares and delivers supplier quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) presentations to regional and global management.
• Communicates supplier quality updates to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for alignment.
• Oversees and directs a regional team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs).
• Acts as a thought leader, providing valuable insights and guidance to the Quality Assurance department and the organization as a whole.
• Plays a key role in enhancing brand value and achieving sustainable profitable growth.

Key Duties

• Conducts audits on processes, products, and Quality Management Systems (QMS), as well as capacity and capability assessments of suppliers.
• Collaborates with suppliers to foster continuous improvement in performance, controls, and compliance concerning IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3 standards, offering technical advice to enhance supplier quality.
• Addresses supplier quality issues, ensuring timely implementation of countermeasures.
• Responsible for the development and attainment of plant objectives related to supplier quality, cost, delivery, and safety, ensuring program targets are met at each development stage.
• Develops and manages budgets, ensuring compliance with approved financial plans once programs are initiated; establishes and monitors performance against budgetary goals within the Supplier Quality department.
• Maintains a positive workplace environment.
• Ensures ongoing collaboration with operational departments to investigate and resolve persistent or critical supplier quality issues, implementing actions to prevent recurrence.
• Identifies potential enhancements and implements new departmental processes and tracking systems to meet departmental KPIs.
• Provides guidance to employees focused on training, objectives, and standard development within their roles.
• Supervises engineering and other professional staff.
• Guides employees in setting team and individual annual goals aligned with corporate KPIs and assists in tracking these goals throughout project phases.
• Conducts interviews and selects team members.
• Offers leadership, coaching, guidance, training, and career development to team members.
• Manages team performance by establishing annual goals, allocating resources, evaluating performance, and determining merit increases; recommends termination when necessary; monitors attendance and time management of team members.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Maintains effective working relationships with Purchasing and Production departments to prepare suppliers for future production demands.
• Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and PPAP processes.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3 standards.
• Experience in the automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier sector is advantageous.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal and report writing abilities.
• Preferred certifications include IATF16949, VDA 6.3 Auditor, or ASQ Certified Quality Auditor.
• A minimum of six years of extensive professional experience in a similar role.
• Prior supervisory experience is essential, with a focus on leadership, coaching, guidance, and staff development.
• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other PC applications for creating innovative documents.

Travel Requirements

Extensive overnight domestic and international travel may be required during project development phases.

What We Provide

At AESC, you will have the chance to engage with some of the most intriguing challenges alongside exceptionally skilled individuals dedicated to making a difference. We prioritize the well-being of our employees, allowing them to concentrate on their work and contribute to our shared mission.

• Competitive compensation packages, including a salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse workplace that promotes professional and personal growth.
• A highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-regulated production environment.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401K plan with company matching.
• Company-paid Life Insurance and additional voluntary life options.
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Application Process

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. Your application allows us to learn more about you and identify potential fits within our organization. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, although response times may vary based on submission volume. If you do not receive an immediate response, it does not reflect on your candidacy; we will retain your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we enhance our application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AESC is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your eligibility to work in the U.S. Join us in our mission to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products that contribute to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.

Work Environment

Candidates must perform essential duties and responsibilities efficiently and accurately, with or without reasonable accommodation, without posing significant safety risks to themselves or others. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening and background check. AESC US LLC maintains a drug-free workplace.

---