Sr. Specialist, Project Steering & Control

During the early project phase, the incumbent is responsible for the planning and execution of large new vehicle project deliverables from the Purchasing organization and participate Scout Purchasing in project reviews, project-related committees, decision bodies and meetings. The incumbent works in close collaboration with R&D, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Quality Assurance, Commodity Purchasing |Project Buying Team and Forward Sourcing to optimize the vehicle financial results, secure production location decisions for the region, and maximize localization in NAR. During the implementation phase, ensuring a timely and flawless launch are the primary objectives of this role. 

Responsible for providing purchasing expertise, program analysis, and cross-functional support for new vehicle programs. Partners with Project Buying, Commodity Purchasing, R&D, Finance, and Operations teams to support sourcing strategies, cost targets, supplier readiness, and launch execution across assigned vehicle programs. 

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

Phase 1 (100%): 

Early Project Phase (pre-PF) 

• 20% Serve as a senior purchasing subject matter expert supporting vehicle program activities, sourcing decisions, and supplier readiness initiatives 
• 10% Establish methods and ensure accurate reporting of vehicle project status to Purchasing Board and Top-Management 
• 20% Build a network and establish communication paths between vehicle project lead project structures in Germany, Scout Management Board, Development and advance supplier development in Novi/Charlotte, and the Project Purchasing / Commodity Purchasing counterparts in Novi 
• 10% Maintain material cost, invest, localization / deep localization, forward sourcing and other key financial indicators and report the status vs. target to management 
• 20% Advocate for the regionalization of vehicle projects and a high degree of adoption of local standards, materials and features 
• 20% Drive together with R&D and Commodity Purchasing the early phase of supplier concept competitions and RFQs, and expand the network of viable new suppliers for consideration in forward sourcing decisions 
• During project implementation phase, the incumbent is responsible as the lead project coordinator for the assigned vehicle derivatives 

Phase 2 (100%): 

Project Implementation Phase (Post-PF, production location Blythewood, SC) 

• 15% Support tooling investment analysis, launch cost planning, benchmarking activities, and financial reporting for assigned vehicle programs 
• Responsible for estimation and submission of Purchasing-relevant budgets (Purchasing Invest, Launch Cost, etc.) through all required Committees (VAP and VAI) 
• Establish benchmarking data and tooling invest target-setting methodology for CSC decisions during Forward Sourcing process in alignment with budget, benchmark and supply situation 
• 10% Ensure accurate tracking of part cost (e.g. currency, deep localization, origin, etc.) and reporting to Finance and Project Organization 
• 10% Resolution of supply or cost issues with suppliers escalated in Pilot Hall, Product Team or Launch Team 
• Ensure accurate and timely issuance of Purchasing contracts, amendments and kickoffs 
• Ensure proper (i.e. qualification level) representation and support in internal meetings (AEKO and MST, Launch Meeting, etc.) 
• 10% Provide guidance and knowledge sharing on complex sourcing situations, supplier escalations, and cost management challenges 
• 10% Preparation and presentation of ad-hoc requests from Top Management, PDC, Level 2 and Level 3 , etc. 

Project Management: 

• 10% Project Planning through Master Timeline, Sourcing Plan and Timing Tracking 
• 20% Ensure the accurate reporting of parts availability and status during all milestones of the PEP process for assigned vehicle project 
• Provide platform for communicating and enforcing project milestones and deadlines to nominated suppliers and project buying team 
• Ensure adherence to project deliverables, escalating and raising awareness of critical issues in advance 
• 10% Agree timing and resource needs with Project Buying and Forward Sourcing teams to ensure timely execution of project deliverables (cost, EMT, tooling, supplier readiness) 
• 5% Organize and support project and timing workshops with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Hidden Cost Workshop and supplier commitment meetings) 
• Promote proactive identification and resolution of supplier, sourcing, and project-related challenges through collaboration with cross-functional teams. 
• Agreement, communication and tracking of deliverables from internal customers (R&D and Finance) 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC or Novi, Michigan. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. Working hours can increase during critical project milestone phases. 
• 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.
• Travel: Up to 30% travel, domestic and international. Valid driver's license required. Passport required.

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: 

• Required:
  • 8+ years Purchasing, Project Buying, Procurement, Supplier Management, Program Management, or Automotive Operations.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering Field 
  • Strong cost analysis, negotiation and business acumen 
  • Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and Excel 
  • Ability to manage multiple and changing priorities in a high-pressure environment 
  • Ability to work independently without direct supervision 
  • Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling and technologies 
  • Presents complex situations clearly and concisely 
  • Monitors target achievement and introduces measures in case of deviation 
  • High level of dedication, sense of urgency, strong work ethic 
  • Effective communication with internal customers and with outside vendors/suppliers 
  • Experience working across organizational boundaries to achieve results
• Desired:
  • MBA or comparable advanced degree
  • Launch Experience at an OEM or Tier 1 
  • Experience in handling multi-million dollar projects from a Procurement prospective
• Skills:
  • Persuasive and persistent 
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently 
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team 
  • Timely completion of processes 
  • Dependable execution of recurring tasks 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills 
  • Ability to deal with conflict, also able to assert himself or herself in the face of resistance 
  • Regularly checks quality, quantity, costs and adherence to deadlines for the work results in his or her area of responsibility 
  • Ability to steer cross functional discussions and lead others 

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

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 =  $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8