Senior Supply Manager

Description: QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future.

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.

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.

What You’ll do:

Build and Scale Supply

• Source and secure materials and components that meet our evolving needs for quality, timing, and cost
• Develop scalable supply networks that support rapid prototyping, pilot builds, and full production
• Continuously optimize supply chain performance to support agility and innovation

Collaborate Across Teams

• Partner closely with Engineering, Product, Operations, and Finance to align supply strategies with business priorities
• Drive consensus across teams on demand forecasts and sourcing plans
• Translate technical requirements into actionable sourcing strategies
• Provide clear budget guidance and cost visibility to Finance

Own Supplier Relationships

• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers—building trust, setting expectations, and driving accountability
• Share business context to help suppliers align with our goals and timelines
• Forecast near-term orders and long-term scaling needs
• Lead pricing negotiations and secure supply agreements that support flexibility and growth
• Coordinate onsite visits and supplier reviews to foster transparency and collaboration

Shape Category Strategy

• Own sourcing strategy for assigned categories or materials
• Select and onboard suppliers that align with our values and pace
• Define engagement models that support speed, innovation, and reliability
• Build and maintain cost models to support decision-making and financial planning

Skills You’ll Need:

• 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
• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Strong organizational skills with sharp attention to detail
• High emotional intelligence and exceptional communication and listening skills—you know how to build trust and influence across teams
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong instincts and creative problem-solving abilities-you’re resourceful and resilient
• A proactive, self-starting attitude-you’re not afraid to dive into ambiguity or take initiative beyond your comfort zone

Nice to have:

• Japanese language fluency or experience working with Japanese suppliers/vendors.
• Experience working with battery materials and knowledge of battery suppliers and market
• Experience acting as the interface between technical internal customers and external suppliers
• Experience understanding technical part drawings

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.

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.