About the Role

Apex is seeking a Director, Supplier Quality to lead the supplier quality organization within our Supply Chain team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of our supplier base as we scale production.

As a member of the Supply Chain leadership team, you will set the supplier quality strategy and lead the teams that carry it out, including supplier buyoffs, receiving inspection, root cause analysis, and quality resolution. Your leadership will directly impact our production line's ability to maintain flow, quality, and cost-efficiency.

This role needs both strategic thinking and operational discipline, along with a commitment to building strong supplier relationships in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the supplier quality organization, including managers, leads, and Supplier Quality Engineers, and build the team structure and hiring plan needed to support growth.

• Set the supplier quality strategy and own the results, supporting 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 for the organization, and drive continuous improvement based on the 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, and lead escalations on critical or recurring issues.

• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and Program leadership to resolve quality issues that impact delivery, performance, or compliance.

• Lead supplier performance management, including scorecards and regular performance reviews with supplier leadership, and drive improvement plans with underperforming suppliers.

• Work with Sourcing on supplier selection and development, and on decisions to expand, reduce, or exit a supplier.

• Ensure supplier compliance with applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, FAR).

• Manage the supplier quality budget and headcount plan.

• Represent Supplier Quality with Apex leadership, providing clear insight into supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities.

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 teams in Supplier Quality, 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.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace or automotive experience.

• Experience with flight hardware or satellite manufacturing.

• AS9100 lead auditor or ASQ certification (such as CQE, CMQ/OE, or CSQP).

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What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create