Manager, Supplier Quality, Sustainability, and Regulatory Compliance

Proterra is seeking a Supplier Quality Manager in Greenville, SC, to lead initiatives in Supplier Quality, Sustainability, and Regulatory Compliance. The role involves developing supplier quality management systems, ensuring IATF 16949 compliance, and fostering partnerships with suppliers. The manager will guide a team of engineers and specialists, drive continuous improvement in quality and sustainability, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards across the supply chain.
Position Overview We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Supplier Quality Manager specializing in Supplier Quality, Sustainability, and Regulatory Compliance to join our team. The ideal candidate will lead and execute initiatives to transform our supply chain to become IATF 16949 compliant, ensuring adherence to automotive industry standards. This role will drive continuous improvement in supplier quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives, fostering strong partnerships with suppliers to promote responsible and high-quality manufacturing practices.

The position will lead and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers, Regulatory Compliance professionals, and Sustainability specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The ideal candidate will be a mentor and coach, providing structured career development opportunities, technical training, and performance feedback to ensure the team's success.

Supplier Quality Management:

Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality management systems aligned with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other relevant quality standards.

Lead supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Collaborate with suppliers to improve product quality, reduce defects, and implement corrective actions through 8D, PPAP, FMEA, and APQP methodologies.

Develop and monitor Supplier Quality KPIs (e.g., PPM, on-time corrective actions, audit performance) and drive continuous improvement

and guide Supplier Quality Engineers, ensuring they have the resources, training, and leadership support needed to succeed.

IATF 16949 Compliance and Supply Chain Transformation:

Lead initiatives to align the supply chain with IATF 16949 certification requirements, ensuring full compliance with automotive industry quality management systems.

Work cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams to integrate IATF 16949 principles into supplier management processes.

Support suppliers in implementing and maintaining IATF 16949 certification, including training, documentation, and process improvements.

Sustainability Strategy Development and Execution:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with company goals and industry best practices.

Drive initiatives to enhance transparency throughout the supply chain, including supplier assessments, audits, and monitoring mechanisms to identify and mitigate ESG risks.

Promote responsible sourcing practices and supplier engagement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG)

and develop a team of sustainability professionals, ensuring they are empowered to drive impactful change and stay ahead of evolving sustainability trends and

Compliance and Product Quality:

Ensure products meet all relevant environmental and regulatory standards, including EU Battery Directive, IMDS, PROP 65, CDX, CMRT, REACH, RoHS, WEEE, CE Marking, PFAS, EMRT, KE07, and other regional/country-specific regulatory requirements.

Develop and maintain compliance tracking systems, ensuring adherence to global regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Facilitate the implementation of tools and processes needed to perform Due Diligence activities, ensuring robust compliance monitoring and risk

with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, industry associations, and NGOs, to promote compliance and sustainability

leadership and career development for the regulatory compliance team, ensuring they remain updated on regulatory changes and best practices.

Continuous Improvement and

Risk Management:

Identify and assess supplier-related risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement robust risk management processes to safeguard against potential disruptions.

Lead continuous improvement efforts to optimize supplier quality performance, leveraging data-driven decision-making and best practices.

Drive innovation in supplier collaboration, defect reduction, and process standardization to enhance overall supply chain resilience.

Champion a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professional development, ensuring that all direct reports have opportunities for growth, training, and leadership exposure.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, engineering, quality management, environmental science, or related field;
Master's degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in supplier quality management, automotive supply chain, and product compliance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and automotive industry quality standards.

Proven track record of leading supplier quality improvements, driving compliance initiatives, and managing cross-functional teams.

Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all…