Sr. Manager, Supplier Excellence

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

$120K — $150K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in product development or volume manufacturing, particularly in high-rate production environments.
  • Proven experience managing lean engineering teams in high-growth or startup settings.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical, software, and mechanical issues.
  • Technical expertise in automotive low voltage electronics, with IPC-610 certification as a significant plus.
  • Deep understanding of automotive PPAP, DFMEA, FMEA, Metrology, and inspection methods/equipment.
  • Track record of working effectively with Contract Manufacturers to enhance manufacturing KPIs.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development and execution of quality visions and procedures for operational performance at CMs.
  • Identify and resolve complex issues in collaboration with stakeholders and CMs during production and vehicle launch.
  • Conduct and maintain VDA audits throughout the sourcing and program life cycle.
  • Oversee project milestones from early development to the start of production, ensuring compliance with maturity levels assurance.
  • Manage and report on KPIs to meet project timing and quality standards.
  • Proactively identify risks in engineering design and production environments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package designed to support health and wellness.
  • Eligibility for annual performance bonuses and equity options.
  • Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for travel to support production and test activities.
Full Job Description
Role Summary

Rivian VW Technology Group is seeking a technically adept, hands-on Manager of Supplier Excellence. This role is designed for a leader who isn't afraid to dive deep into the "nitty-gritty" of electromechanical systems while managing the quality performance of our contract manufacturers (CMs). You will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and floor-level execution, ensuring our electronic modules scale seamlessly from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the creation & implementation of best practice quality visions & procedures that specifically improve operational performance at Contract Manufacturers with a lean internal team. .
  • Technical Problem Solving: Identify, root cause, & track complex issues by working directly with internal stakeholders & CMs to implement improvements during production & vehicle launch.
  • Audit & Compliance: Perform & sustain VDA audits during sourcing & throughout the program life cycle.
  • Project Oversight: Drive the completion of PPA & Reifegrad Absicherung (RGA) or Maturity levels Assurance requirements from early development phases through Start of Production (SOP).
  • Performance Tracking: Manage & report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure project timing & quality standards are met.
  • Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify high-risk areas within both the engineering design cycle and the physical production environment.


Qualifications
  • Educational Background: BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or an equivalent technical field.
  • Experience: 10+ years in product development or volume manufacturing, specifically within high-rate production environments & PCBA manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in managing lean engineering teams within high-growth or startup-style environments where efficiency & technical self-sufficiency are paramount
  • Hands-on Depth: Ability to dive deep into electrical, software, & mechanical issues.
  • Technical expertise in automotive low voltage electronics (IPC-610 certification is a significant plus).
  • Quality Toolkit: Deep understanding of automotive PPAP, DFMEA, FMEA, Metrology, & various inspection methods/equipment.
    • Expertise in VDA 6.3 and the RGA framework for risk-based component qualification.
  • CM Management: Proven track record of working with Contract Manufacturers to drive manufacturing KPIs to the highest standards.
Skills & Competencies
  • Adaptive Leadership: Ability to manage ambiguity & create clarity in complex situations while overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal & written skills for collaborating across cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Operational Rigor: Strong documentation practices for tracking changes, test results, & issues.
  • Agility: A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel to contract manufacturer locations as needed to support production & test development activities.
Total Rewards

Total compensation packages for full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.

In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. For more information on RV Tech's comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.

External candidates can apply for this role through the RV Tech Careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Sr. Manager, Supplier Excellence jobs: