Director, Supplier Quality

Apex Technology, Inc.•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$210,000 - $235,000•Onsite

About The Position

Apex is seeking a Director, Supplier Quality to lead the supplier quality organization within its Supply Chain team. This senior leadership role is responsible for the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of the supplier base as production scales. As a member of the Supply Chain leadership team, the Director sets supplier quality strategy and leads the teams responsible for supplier buyoffs, receiving inspection, root cause analysis, and quality resolution. The role combines strategic leadership with operational discipline and supplier relationship building in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment. The Director will develop the organization and its hiring plan, own supplier quality processes and outcomes, and partner across Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, Program leadership, and Sourcing. The role also manages the supplier quality budget and headcount plan, and represents Supplier Quality to Apex leadership by communicating supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities. The position requires travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
15+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Supplier Quality.
5+ years leading Supplier Quality teams, including experience managing managers or team leads.
Experience building and scaling a supplier quality organization, including hiring and developing teams.
Proven expertise in supplier quality management, including RCCA, CAPA, audits, and inspection.
Strong foundation in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and supplier performance improvement.
Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.
Track record of supporting production ramp-ups and new product launches.
Ability to operate with urgency, autonomy, and accountability in a fast-paced production environment.
Strong analytical and communication skills, including presenting to executives and supplier leadership, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Willingness to travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations.
Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

Aerospace or automotive experience.
Experience with flight hardware or satellite manufacturing.
AS9100 lead auditor or ASQ certification, such as CQE, CMQ/OE, or CSQP.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the supplier quality organization, including managers, leads, and Supplier Quality Engineers; build the team structure and hiring plan needed to support growth.
Set supplier quality strategy and own results in support of production rate increases, cost-reduction goals, and new product introductions.
Own supplier buyoff, incoming inspection, and material review processes to ensure only conforming product reaches production.
Define supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and goals, and drive continuous improvement based on performance trends.
Own the supplier audit and qualification program, including quality system assessments and product qualification.
Set the approach for first article inspections, PPAPs, and qualification of new suppliers and materials in partnership with Engineering and Quality.
Hold the organization accountable for structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action on supplier-related non-conformances; lead escalations on critical or recurring issues.
Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and Program leadership to resolve quality issues that affect delivery, performance, or compliance.
Lead supplier performance management, including scorecards, regular reviews with supplier leadership, and improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.
Work with Sourcing on supplier selection and development, and decisions to expand, reduce, or exit a supplier.
Ensure supplier compliance with applicable industry standards, including ISO 9001 and AS9100, and regulatory requirements, including ITAR and FAR.
Manage the supplier quality budget and headcount plan.
Represent Supplier Quality with Apex leadership, providing insight into supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities.

Benefits

Equity in Apex.
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and dependents.
$100,000 life insurance at no cost.
Vacation starting at 15 days and growing to 20+ days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% and a 50% match on the next 2%.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
Childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks.
Office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for employees and families.
Tools for a productive desk setup.
In-person collaboration at the Playa Vista office, with flexibility to integrate work and life.
Long-term incentives in the form of stock options for full-time hires.