Supplier Performance Management engineer (SPM)

Who are we?
Volvo Cars is a company on a mission; to bring traditional car manufacturing into a connected, sustainable and smart future.
Since 1927, we have been a brand known for our commitment to safety, creating innovative cars that make life less complicated for our consumers. In 2010, we decided to transform our business, resulting in a totally new generation of cars and technologies, as well as steady growth and record sales. Today, we’re expanding our global footprint in Europe, China and the US, and we’re on the lookout for new talent.
We are constantly pushing our own skills and abilities to drive change in the automobile industry like never before. We are looking for innovative, committed people to join us in this endeavour and create safe, sustainable and connected cars. We believe in the power of people and will challenge and support you to reach your full potential. Join us and be part of Volvo Cars’ journey into the future.

What you will do
The Supplier Performance Management engineer (SPM) for Traction Batteries’ overall activities are focused on product and process performance at external suppliers, supporting both new programs and running production. In this role, you will be a key player in leading supplier readiness, as well as performance and development activities for your category within the Propulsion. You will be involved in all phases of the Volvo supplier business, from strategic work to running production. Together with your colleagues in the Global Category Team, R&D colleagues, and suppliers you are responsible to secure supplier readiness from early phase to launch in projects and challenge suppliers to continuously improve their Q&D performance in running production.

Belonging to the Propulsion procurement organization, you will also be an important member of the category team working closely together with buyers and cost engineers for a specific commodity, in this case batteries.
In addition, you will be responsible for the following activities:

Lithium-ion battery specialization:
* Use specific knowledge of Lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing and quality factors together with the SPM tools to ensure production achieving the quality targets
* Lead production related cross-functional activities with R&D specialists in cell, module or pack development and Current Model Quality
* Lead work mapping failures, on the field and 0km (failures occurring at our plant before delivery to customer), to a specific production process
* Develop methods for failure analysis performed at supplier
* Work with Manufacturing Engineering and PPT with issues linked to module or cell production


Early phase involvement:
* Ensure the implementation of lessons learned related to production quality in new projects and products
* DFA (Design for Assembly) evaluations of proposed designs
* Creation of Special Characteristics Agreements together with R&D


Sourcing for Quality:
* Support Category Business Plan with manufacturing aspect
* Assess potential suppliers prior to sourcing
* Support sourcing with Quality Data Analysis


Quality assurance of new vehicle launch:
* Drive quality assurance process with suppliers APQP
* Drive quality execution of manufacturing related issues at suppliers
* Review & approve PSW packages according to PPAP handbook
* Analyze capacity of manufacturing lines at suppliers
* Provide supplier on-site assistance as required


On a personal level
This position is for you who enjoy building and maintaining relationships both within Volvo Cars and externally at our suppliers. You like to take initiatives and ownership, and to work both independently but also in a team. You enjoy using your communications skills to coach and drive the suppliers forward. You are not afraid to face demanding situations and take action to protect the interests of Volvo Cars and our customers. The lithium-ion battery field is dynamic and evolving which means challenges but also great opportunities to learn and develop.

Do you fit the profile?
* Master’s degree in Electrochemistry, Material science, or equivalent with focus towards battery technology or equivalent experience within the field
* Practical knowledge and experience in the area of high voltage battery systems, components, and power electronics with at least two years of experience of cell production
* Knowledge of quality methods used in automotive industry (e.g. APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D
* etc.)
* Driver's license
* Ability to travel on frequent basis (incl. long term international travels)


How to learn more and apply
Welcome to submit your application consisting of resumé and cover letter no later than October 6th 2022. Interviews will be held continuously, so don’t wait!
Please note that due to GDPR, applications via email will not be accepted.

For questions regarding the position, please contact hiring manager Ghader Heravi at ghader.heravi@volvocars.com. For questions regarding the recruitment process, you are welcome to contact the recruitment team, Maria Westermark at maria.westermark@volvocars.com or Alice Elisson at alice.elisson@volvocars.com.