Senior Supply Manager

Shape Category Strategy

About the team: The Supply Chain team is responsible for owning key supplier relationships and working cross-functionally with internal customers to ensure supply to the operation meets QS needs in timeline, quality, quantity, and price, both now and in the future.

• Share business context to help suppliers align with our goals and timelines
• Develop scalable supply networks that support rapid prototyping, pilot builds, and full production
• Lead pricing negotiations and secure supply agreements that support flexibility and growth
• Continuously optimize supply chain performance to support agility and innovation
• Translate technical requirements into actionable sourcing strategies
• Source and secure materials and components that meet our evolving needs for quality, timing, and cost
• Partner closely with Engineering, Product, Operations, and Finance to align supply strategies with business priorities
• Build and maintain cost models to support decision-making and financial planning
• Provide clear budget guidance and cost visibility to Finance
• Coordinate onsite visits and supplier reviews to foster transparency and collaboration
• Drive consensus across teams on demand forecasts and sourcing plans
• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers—building trust, setting expectations, and driving accountability
• Forecast near-term orders and long-term scaling needs
• Select and onboard suppliers that align with our values and pace
• Define engagement models that support speed, innovation, and reliability

What we need: The Supply Chain team is seeking a self-starting individual with experience managing key global supplier relationships, balancing multiple competing priorities, and fostering strong partnerships, both within and outside of an organization.

ONSITE: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position. As an on-site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.

• Strong instincts and creative problem-solving abilities-you’re resourceful and resilient
• Experience acting as the interface between technical internal customers and external suppliers
• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Experience understanding technical part drawings
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field, with hands-on experience in manufacturing or production environments; minimum 4 years of relevant experience
• High emotional intelligence and exceptional communication and listening skills—you know how to build trust and influence across teams
• Strong organizational skills with sharp attention to detail
• Japanese language fluency or experience working with Japanese suppliers/vendors.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience working with battery materials and knowledge of battery suppliers and market
• Own sourcing strategy for assigned categories or materials

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $102,700 to $156,700, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits.