Supplier Quality Manager

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Supplier Quality Manager to enhance the quality standards of external suppliers. In this pivotal role, you will oversee supplier quality assurance, develop inspection criteria, and foster strong relationships with suppliers to ensure compliance with stringent manufacturing requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable energy while working in a collaborative environment. With a focus on continuous improvement and quality management, this role is essential during the critical ramp-up phase of operations. Join a diverse team dedicated to making a lasting impact in the industry!

Benefits

Competitive Remuneration

Vacation Allowance

Opportunities for Development

Relocation Support

Community Events Participation

Employer Paid Benefits

Pension and Retirement Savings

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automotive or manufacturing operations required.
• Experience in managing supplier quality programs is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee supplier quality assurance and improve quality standards.
• Lead qualification processes for new suppliers and manage audits.

Skills

Supplier Quality Management

Data Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Team Management

Risk Assessment

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science

Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Management

Tools

ISO 9001

IATF 16949

Statistical Quality Control

Job description

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.

This position is a temporary hybrid model, requiring 2 days per week onsite in the St. Thomas office. This is subject to change based on the needs of the project and will eventually transition to fully onsite.

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 teams, fostering a culture of quality and accountability, and encouraging continuous learning and professional development.

What Else Can You Bring

• Experience building programs, processes and systems within a brown or green-field environment is highly desired
• Proven history of successfully developing and managing supplier quality programs
• Deep knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and experience with statistical quality control methods.
• Expert level understanding of mass production processes and key parameters
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve supplier quality.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis for reducing defects and increasing efficiency.
• Expertise in leading change initiatives, especially related to process improvements, new quality standards, or regulatory changes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

What To Look Forward To

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.

And much more!

This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.