Manager, Supplier Quality, Sustainability, and Regulatory Compliance

Proterra is seeking a Supplier Quality Manager in Greer, SC, to lead initiatives ensuring supplier quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. The role involves developing quality management systems, conducting supplier audits, and fostering partnerships to enhance product quality. The candidate will mentor a team of Supplier Quality Engineers and work cross-functionally to align supply chain processes with IATF 16949 standards, while also developing sustainability strategies.
About Proterra

Designed and assembled in the United States, Proterra’s innovative battery platform offers industry-leading energy density, durability, performance and safety systems – enabling Proterra EV batteries to be the premium choice for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Proterra’s battery technology offers industry-leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra® batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

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 initiatives.
• Oversee 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) initiatives.
• Lead and develop a team of sustainability professionals, ensuring they are empowered to drive impactful change and stay ahead of evolving sustainability trends and regulations.

Regulatory 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 mitigation.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, industry associations, and NGOs, to promote compliance and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide 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 levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data-driven quality management tools.
• Experience managing and developing teams, with a passion for mentoring and professional growth.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, CQE, CQA) is a plus.
• Experience in sustainability and regulatory compliance within a global supply chain is highly desirable

Location: Greer SC – Onsite

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

Please copy and paste this link into your browser for e-verification: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d6f988e60a405110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d6f988e60a405110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD