Manager, Paint Quality

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the environment by developing electric vehicles with the capability to get you to any location. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. And respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

What you’ll do

The Paint Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards in paint application. The role involves developing and implementing quality assurance protocols in accordance with VDA and ISO standards, leading inspection of surface quality, conducting process audits, aligning color harmony efforts and driving continuous improvement initiatives in the Paint Shop. This position must have strong problem-solving skills and a working knowledge of paint to identify, analyze, and resolve quality issues effectively, while collaborating across all manufacturing areas (Body, Paint, General Assembly, Technical Quality and Supplier Quality) to enhance overall product quality.

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Key Responsibilities: 

• Quality Control Management:
  • Develop and implement quality assurance protocols that comply with VDA and ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949) for automotive paint applications.
  • Establish and monitor quality metrics specific to automotive finishes, including color matching, adhesion, and durability.
• Process Audits:
  • Conduct regular process audits to assess compliance with established quality standards and identify areas for improvement.
  • Analyze audit findings and implement corrective actions to address any deficiencies and enhance process efficiency.
• Team Leadership:
  • Lead and mentor a quality assurance team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and proactive problem-solving.
  • Conduct regular training sessions on VDA and ISO standards, quality inspection techniques, and best practices in paint application.
• Training Development:
  • Develop and implement training programs for staff on quality assurance practices, paint application processes, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and update them as needed to ensure continuous improvement.
• Inspection and Testing:
  • Oversee the inspection and testing of automotive paint finishes, ensuring compliance with OEM, VDA, and ISO specifications.
  • Analyze defects and utilize problem-solving techniques to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the paint shop and collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement solutions based on VDA and ISO guidelines.
  • Utilize data analysis and problem-solving tools (e.g., root cause analysis, 5 Whys, Pareto analysis) to drive efficiency, reduce defects, and minimize waste.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Align with all areas of the manufacturing process to improve quality in and out of the paint shop, fostering communication and teamwork across departments.
  • Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to address quality issues and improve overall product quality.
• Process Compliance and Documentation:
  • Evaluate and develop paint control plans within to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of quality inspections, control plans, testing results, audit findings, and corrective actions, ensuring alignment with VDA and ISO requirements.
• Customer Warranty and Audit results:
  • Address quality issues related to paint quality by employing problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions and enhance customer satisfaction to reduce constraints.
  • To provide guidance to the manufacturing team in regard to paint quality issues with the exterior surface, including application techniques, process, and equipment within the Paint Shop.
• Strong Leadership
  • Strong ability to lead
  • Strong communication and listening skills including between shifts/ other departments
  • Decisiveness decision making
  • Integrity to make honest and consistent actions
  • Commitment to growth the team to develop people to grow within the company

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks as necessary.
  • Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to paint materials and chemicals.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia/Blythewood, South Carolina.
• The responsibilities of this role require daily attendance at in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.
• This position may require occasional travel to supplier sites or customer locations. 
• Travel: Frequent travel approximately 30% of the time. International and domestic travel required. Passport Required

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality assurance within the automotive industry, specifically in paint shop operations.
• Working knowledge of automotive paint types, application processes, and related technologies.
• Strong understanding of VDA and ISO standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience conducting process audits and familiarity with audit methodologies.
• Proficiency in quality management tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO/TS 16949, VDA).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Availability for frequent travel approximately 30% of the time, internationally and domestically. Passport for international travel required.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
• Corporate Vehicle Program with:
  • Eligibility for 1 assigned vehicle
  • A mobility stipend

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $130,000 - $150,000

Internal leveling code: M8

Notice to applicants:

• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.