Sr. Specialist, Supplier Management

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 pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

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 corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• 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. Here's what else you'll bring: 

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 supply chain challenges. 
• Experience conducting supplier performance reviews and providing recommendations to senior leadership regarding readiness, risk, capacity, and operational improvement opportunities. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex issues to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence outcomes across internal teams and external supplier partners. 
• High attention to detail and ability to evaluate supplier processes, readiness metrics, and operational performance indicators. 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field. 
• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc. 

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

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 = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• 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].