The Associate Partner Quality Manager supports the qualification, development, and performance management of supplier partners providing critical equipment and services for Aligned Data Centers. This role works closely with Procurement, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, and Supplier Partners to ensure equipment and materials meet Aligned quality, reliability, and delivery requirements.
The position is responsible for supplier quality assurance activities including supplier assessments, APQP implementation, corrective action management, root cause analysis, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Adherence to Owner Furnished Equipment (OFE) Partner Quality Manual procedures.
Evaluate OFE Partner’s work from their manufacturing facility to pre-energization and equipment startup activities.
Lead gap assessments and work with OFE Partners to effectively address and close open actions.
Support both factory and field level assessments of OFE Partner field service processes and procedures.
Provide cross functional support to team members focused on factory assessments and design/materials Supplier Corrective Action Review (“SCAR”).
Follow-up on SCARs to OFE Partners for quality issues as per established procedures and conduct follow-up activities to drive robust corrective/preventive actions.
Liaison with Aligned stakeholders (Operations, Commissioning Teams, and Contractors) when quality Issues are identified and facilitate communications with responsible OFE Partners.
Follow a Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology when addressing Supplier Partner gaps in performance.
Monitor supplier performance metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and warranty performance.
Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives with supplier partners.
Facilitate lessons learned and best-practice sharing across suppliers.
Support Factory witness tests (FWT) with cross functional teams.
Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Exhibit a professional, positive attitude in all circumstances
Identify and mitigate supplier-related risks affecting project schedules and operational reliability.
Work with Procurement, Engineering, Construction, and Operations teams to resolve quality concerns.
Support development of supplier quality standards and procedures
Ability to travel 25% of the time, with an expected cadence of approximately two trips per calendar month
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
1-3 years’ experience in manufacturing quality role with exposure to standard processes and procedures.
Working knowledge of Quality Management systems such as ISO 9001.
Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, DMAIC, Fishbone etc.).
Supplier quality experience within low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
Standard MS Office Proficiency (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point)
Ability to multi-task, with strong time management and organizational skills.
Desire to work in an extremely fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
Must have a strong attention to detail.
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Applied knowledge using Core Quality Tools, such as APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Process Control Planning, MSA, etc.
ISO 9001 auditor training or equivalent quality system experience.
ASQ Certifications, e.g., CQE, CMQ/OE, and/or CQA
Statistical Analysis (SPC, Minitab, etc.)
Six Sigma Green / Black Belt Certification.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Tools, such as Value-Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Gemba, etc.
SharePoint or other data repository experience
MS Access or similar database experience
COMPETENCIES
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ability to work independently in both remote and office environments.
Frequent walking and standing during assessments at supplier partner facilities and project sites.
Comfortable in manufacturing environments which may include hot/cold, dust, dirt, noise, etc.
Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts.
Ability to travel domestically as required to support supplier assessments. Factory witness testing, and project related activities.
BENEFITS & PERKS
Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants. FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.
Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.
