Director, Equipment Quality (1019)

Fleet Data Centers•Austin, TX

27d•Hybrid

About The Position

Fleet Data Centers is seeking an experienced and results-driven Equipment Quality Director to lead the equipment supplier quality approval, development, and tracking for our data center development projects. This role is responsible for managing long-lead, custom-engineered industrial equipment quality focusing on manufacturing and post-delivery supplier management. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in power generation, switchgear, transformers, UPS, or mechanical systems (HVAC, cooling) with deep knowledge of the unique requirements of mission-critical infrastructure in data centers or highly technical use cases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of experience in Quality leadership, with at least 4 years focused on data center mission critical infrastructure.
Deep understanding of data center systems and associated vendors (OEMs and integrators).
Experience working in fast-paced, large-scale infrastructure or data center projects.
Strong knowledge of supply chain quality management tools, data analytics, and BI tools
Excellent project management, change management and communication skills
Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers.
Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations.
Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with the broader organizational goals, while aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties.
Critical Thinking Skills: Finding innovative solutions and being flexible in addressing unexpected challenges.
Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions, assess cost structures, and identify potential risks, ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.
Influence and Persuasion: Able to effectively advocate for their position, build consensus, and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships.
Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions and safeguard safety, security, availability, and scale.
Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking, industry insights, and alternative sourcing options.

Nice To Haves

MBA, MS in Supply Chain or advanced degree in engineering or other quantitative disciplines
Certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or Six Sigma Black Belt
Proven track record in implementing process improvement initiatives and driving operational excellence

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive quality strategies aligned with organizational objectives
Lead end-to-end supplier quality planning management
Build industry best practices
Develop and own the Quality Management System (QMS)
Assess and mitigate supply chain risks through strategic planning
Manage third-party inspection resources
Work with suppliers, engineering, and Commissioning to develop Support commissioning and startup teams with quality documentation packages
Maintain quality dashboards tracking defect rates, NCR aging, supplier scorecards, and cost of poor quality (COPQ)
Build and lead a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and supplier quality managers