Senior Auditor and Supplier Development Specialist

by PowerCo

Reference #: 4088
Position Type: Regular, Full-time
Remote work options: Hybrid
Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025
PowerCo

Job Description

Our Story and Why We're Growing

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

About the Role

The supplier developer identifies, enables and qualifies new suppliers globally who are to be considered for new projects on the basis of identified potential. Based on defined criteria, the supplier developer is also responsible for the qualification and continuous improvement of existing suppliers in order to proactively avoid risks for PowerCo.
The Senior Auditor and Supplier Development Specialist  role involves responsibilities as an VDA6.3 auditor as well as a supplier developer.

This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site at our St. Thomas location.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently conducts potential analysis on potential (local & global) suppliers based on VDA6.3 standard and in cooperation with central Purchasing and buyers; must be in time with the sourcing time
•Independently conducts VDA audit on awarded (local & global) suppliers based on VDA6.3 standard and in cooperation with central Purchasing and buyers. must be in time with the projects milestones
• Is responsible for keeping auditor certification valid with regards to VDA6.3 as well as VW group requirements for auditor
• Monitoring of specific development milestones, follow ups and initiation of corrective actions in case of deviations
• Actively participate and influence component design during the concept phase to ensure alignment with project    requirements and procurement interests.
• Monitor and support special measures such as cost investigations, tool relocations, and scrapping campaigns.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities by conducting Potential Analyses and VDA6.3 audits onsite as basis of supplier nomination and industrialization requirements
• Documentation of audits in respective systems and follow up on all action plans
• Independent planning, execution and documentation of all supplier development activities
• Independently scouts and identifies new potential suppliers in the region
• Enables and qualifies new suppliers globally who are to be considered for new projects on the basis of identified potential.
• Has to comply with VDA standards
• Responsible for the qualification and continuous improvement of existing suppliers in order to proactively avoid risks for PowerCo.
• Manage the assessment of schedule feasibility and actively participate in commitment meetings to ensure project timelines are realistic  and aligns with aligns with production and SOP milestones.
•  Oversee the tracking and verification of component development, including on-site reviews of eco-inserts and the management of documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.

What you bring to the Team

• Education: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Mining Degree
• Experience: 10+ years
• VDA6.3 Auditor certification
• Experience in the area of technical supplier management and/or supplier quality.
• VDA6.3/IATF knowledge and/or audit experience an asset
• Technical understanding with regards to Lean manufacturing, OEE calculations, battery cell pre-materials and primary materials for battery cell production
• Strong understanding of lean production principles, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and Continuous Improvement Processes (CIP).
• Experience in evaluating suppliers for tenders and managing procurement interfaces.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills to support decision-making.
• Proven experience in evaluating suppliers' eligibility for tenders related to new projects.
• Ability to map technical interfaces in procurement for cross-departmental collaboration.
• Competence in independently managing on-site visits and developing actionable plans.
• Independent control of the necessary on-site visits and action plans

Power Perks

•    Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
•    Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
•    Opportunities for development
•    Relocation Support
•    Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
•    Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
•    Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
•    And much more!

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.