What to Expect
The Supervisor, Supplier Quality leads a team of Quality Inspectors responsible for incoming parts inspection, sort and rework execution, and third-party provider oversight across Tesla’s Giga factory and external warehouse operations. This role combines operational ownership with people leadership — you will set daily priorities, drive accountability across shifts, manage 3PL performance and costs, and ensure your team delivers consistent quality outcomes under pressure. You are the direct link between the shop floor, material planners, engineers and senior management, translating strategic quality objectives into day-to-day execution while developing your team’s skills and careers.
What You'll Do-
Lead the shift organization with the team members and distribute workload at the beginning of each shift to ensure balanced coverage across all active projects, define daily priorities for ongoing SORTs based on real-time demand in MRP and prepare clear, actionable plans for each campaign, with the aim of achieving plant KPIs in terms of Product Audit, OEE and EHS and department KPIs (ex: SORT On Time Closure Rate, Costs of Non-Quality, Daily Pallets Released, 3PL Defect Rate, Broken Clean Points, MRB Material Costs)
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Create and manage SORT Purchase Orders, track consumed POs, and ensure financial accuracy across all active projects for both SSORT and TSORTs
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Collaborate closely with SQAs, SQEs, SIEs and Quality Engineers on Clean Point status and SORT Purchase Orders, participating in supplier meetings to set proper containment to ensure the quality of the next deliveries, escalating and communicating risks promptly before they impact production and actively supporting and validating SORT criteria
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Inventory management and identification of material shortage risks, comparing conforming available material against daily and weekly demand based on MRP Bulk Planning and collaborate closely with Material Planners to expedite deliveries for PNs under SORT
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Plan and monitor RTV and scrap of MRB material, manage Supplier Resident activities and support New Model launches and trials
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Monitor and improve 3PL performances and KPIs, creating and managing NQSCARs to formalize non-conformances and drive corrective actions, ensure that 3PL activities comply with work instructions, HSE standards, and Tesla’s operational expectations
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Lead, coach, and develop a team of Quality Inspectors across rotating shifts, conducting regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide feedback, discuss performance, and align on development goals, own the performance review cycle for your team, setting clear objectives, assess results against targets, and deliver honest, constructive evaluations using Tesla Performance Acceleration tools and methods (CAR method, SMART goals, Check-Ins)
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives (PDCA) and foster 5S discipline
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Experience: 3–5 years in quality inspection or supplier quality within automotive or manufacturing environments, with at least 1–2 years in a supervisor role. Proven experience managing inspection teams, sort/rework campaigns, and third-party providers.
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Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a shift-based, high-pressure production environment. Experience with performance management, time card administration, coaching, and mentoring.
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Technical Knowledge: Strong command of quality fundamentals including 5Why, 8D, Control Plans, FMEA basics, and defect classification (P1–P4). ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PPAP, TQP standards.
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Financial Acumen: Experience managing Purchase Orders, reviewing 3PL cost reports, and controlling operational budgets.
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Systems: Proficient with MFS, FX, MRB, TMS, JIRA, SCAR/SSORT, Supplier Portals, and standard reporting tools.
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Data & Reporting: Advanced Excel skills; ability to build dashboards, track KPIs, and translate data into management-ready insights.
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Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Confident presenting to senior leadership and managing supplier relationships.
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Languages: Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage.
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Flexibility: Willing to work rotating shifts (early, late, night) and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
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Sustainability: Committed to upholding Tesla's Global EHS&S Policy and EMAS requirements, fostering a culture of continuous environmental improvement.
Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
