Manager, Project Quality

The Manager of Project Quality is responsible for executing and supporting the project quality strategy for assigned vehicle programs while ensuring adherence to established quality standards and governance processes. This role ensures that every product—from concept through end-of-production—meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. You will shape the quality culture, influence cross-functional decision making, and drive organizational alignment around quality excellence.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Execute project quality objectives for assigned vehicle programs and support the implementation of enterprise quality strategies.
• Implement established quality targets, KPIs, and maturity milestones and monitor performance against approved standards.
• Define, implement, and continuously improve project quality processes, partnering with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, and other Quality functions.
• Program Quality Execution
• Manage all quality-relevant activities within the product management organization from early development through SOP and end-of-production.
• Oversee the creation and execution of preventive quality plans, ensuring robust design, process capability, and risk mitigation.
• Apply and continuously improve established maturity management processes.
• Ensure program adherence to quality gates, manage escalations, and drive resolution of deviations in partnership with program leadership.
• Direct and coordinate the final whole-vehicle approval for serial production readiness.
• Cross-Functional Influence & Issue Resolution
• Lead interdisciplinary task forces to address critical program risks, systemic issues, and launch-blocking concerns.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration of quality requirements across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and product teams.
• People Leadership
• Lead and develop a team of project quality professionals and support employee growth and capability development.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and capability development to elevate the technical and leadership strength of the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

Experience & Expertise

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Vehicle Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of automotive engineering or product quality experience, including 5+ years in leadership roles within an OEM or Tier 1 environment.
• Deep technical understanding of vehicle development and manufacturing, with expertise across body, electrical, chassis, propulsion, battery systems, infotainment, and connectivity.
• Strong vehicle assessment skills and a holistic understanding of complete vehicle behavior.
• Demonstrated success leading complex automotive programs and navigating cross-functional environments.

Leadership & Competencies

• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills.
• High-level of assertiveness, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong orientation toward results and customer satisfaction.
• Preferred Qualifications
• ASQ certification, AIAG or VDA methodology experience.
• Experience establishing or scaling quality systems in a new or rapidly evolving organization.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
  • A mobility stipend

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial Base Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00

Internal Leveling Code: M8