US Regional Sr. Manager, Quality Assurance

AESC is looking to add a Sr. Manager, US Regional Quality to our team in Smyrna, TN.

• Full-time
• Preferred on-site, limited hybrid potential
• Location: Smyrna, TN

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company's leading-edge technology and reliability are enabling and accelerating the transition to clean energy solutions. Through rapid expansion, AESC batteries will soon power more than 1,000,000 electric vehicles for the world's top automakers. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, China, UK, France, Spain, and the U.S.

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

As a key member of AESC US LLC, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to lead in full-value-chain battery solutions for a sustainable future. Reporting to the Director of US Regional Quality, you will lead supplier quality, customer quality, and QMS initiatives for the US Region. Your work within our US manufacturing facilities will directly impact our strategic goals and contribute to our position as a global leader in battery technology.

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Spearhead and execute key strategic quality initiatives, contributing to the overall success of our mission to be a leader in full-value-chain battery solutions for a sustainable future.
• Lead Supplier Quality Assurance: Work closely with cross-functional teams in developing new suppliers and assuring long term supplier quality, supporting the US and global battery manufacturing plants.
• Drive QMS Optimization and Quality Audits: Lead implementation of the QMS at US manufacturing sites and coordinate internal and external audit activities to support quality certifications such as IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3.
• Interface with Customers: By leading the US Regional Customer Quality group, engage with our key customers to understand requirements, address concerns, and ensure seamless collaboration, fostering strong relationships that contribute to the success of our initiatives. Lead efforts to improve warranty performance by investigating field issues and implementing preventative countermeasures.
• Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Exhibit strong leadership qualities by providing guidance to team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture, and solving challenges with a forward-thinking mindset.
• Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics, applying this knowledge to day-to-day activities and contributing to our competitive edge in the market.

• Proven Experience & Educational Background: Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success in manufacturing, quality, and/or engineering, showcasing a track record of achieving key objectives and driving impactful results. Bachelor's degree in engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience, providing the foundational knowledge required to excel in this role.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in quality management tools, problem solving, and project management ensuring the ability to navigate and contribute effectively to our dynamic work environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development and execution of key initiatives, demonstrating an innovative mindset and problem-solving skills.
• Global Perspective: Experience or willingness to work in a global context, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with operating in diverse international markets.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet changing business needs and priorities.
• Leadership Skills: Previous experience in a managerial role, showcasing the ability to inspire and lead teams towards common goals, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

• Advanced Certifications: Possession of advanced certifications in quality, while not mandatory, would be a strong asset, showcasing a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in additional languages beyond English is advantageous, as it aligns with our global operations and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Cross-Cultural Experience: Previous experience working in cross-cultural environments, or a demonstrated understanding of cultural nuances would be beneficial, given our global presence and diverse team.
• Industry Involvement: Active involvement in industry associations, conferences, or relevant forums, demonstrating a keen interest in staying at the forefront of industry trends and networking with peers.
• Advanced Degree: While not a prerequisite, candidates with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) in engineering or business may be considered favorably, as it reflects a commitment to specialized knowledge.
• Start-up Experience: Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.

Occasional domestic and international travel required.

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer:

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.

The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.