Associate Director, Supplier Quality

Who we are:   

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly, and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you. 

What you will do:   

Reporting to the Senior Director of Supply Chain, the Associate Director, Supplier Quality is responsible for developing and leading a robust supplier quality management program in support of Electra’s growing strategic supplier requirements to ensure that all sourced materials and components meet stringent quality standards. This role will drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements. The position is critical to maintaining product integrity, operational efficiency, and strong supplier partnerships in support of organizational goals and strategic objectives. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Define and execute the supplier quality vision aligned with organizational goals 
• Develop long-term strategies for supplier performance improvement and risk mitigation 
• Establish and maintain robust supplier selection, development, and monitoring programs 
• Implement incoming material review and CAPA processes 
• Drive supplier-owned quality programs to ensure that received materials consistently meet specifications 
• Establish a traceability process for supplied materials to enable root cause analysis  
• Establish supplier quality systems consistent with ISO 9001 or similar standards 
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and customer specifications 
• Aid in identifying and troubleshooting process breakdowns and opportunities to address any systemic issues 
• Partner with Procurement, Technology, and Operations teams to align supplier quality objectives 
• Support R&D by ensuring suppliers understand specifications and maintain conformance to quality requirements while ramping to volume 
• Provide training and support to employees on quality and process improvement matters  
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement 
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier quality  
• Develop and present reporting and insights into supplier quality performance and risk 
• Conduct risk assessments for critical suppliers and implement mitigation plans 
• Develop contingency strategies for supply chain disruptions related to quality issues 

What we need you to bring to the team:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field  
• 12+ years of experience in supplier quality within a manufacturing or industrial environment 
• 5+ years in a leadership role, with direct responsibility for managing team performance, coaching and development, and accountability for results 
• Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/QE)  
• Expertise in ISO 9001, PPAP, Lean Six Sigma, and related quality tools  
• Experience developing and administering a QMS 
• Advanced understanding of the functional area (Supplier Quality) and a strong understanding of the broader company, competitive environment, and industry best practices 
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence across functions, and play a leading role in managing supplier quality programs with strategic suppliers 
• Experience developing and implementing supplier scorecards, performance dashboards, and quality improvement roadmaps  
• Ability to evaluate technical supplier capabilities and approve or disqualify vendors based on data-driven criteria 
• Exceptional communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and negotiate with suppliers 
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict, lead through ambiguity, and drive alignment across multiple functions 
• Strong cross-functional partnership with Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and Manufacturing to ensure alignment on quality and supply continuity 

Compensation:    

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $125,000-$150,000 and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.   

Benefits For You:   

• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans  
• Reasonable use PTO  
• $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account)  

Benefits For Your Family:   

• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans  
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave  

Benefits For Your Future:   

• 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one   
• Eligibility for incentive stock options