Supplier Quality Assurance Manager

Here at Humanoid, we believe in a future where robots amplify human potential. That’s why we’ve set out on a mission to build the world’s most capable, commercially-scalable, and safe humanoid robots. We’re bringing that mission to life with HMND‑01 Alpha - our rapidly developed humanoid platform now running in real industrial pilots - and we’re growing the team to take it even further.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Assurance Manager (reporting directly into the Global Head of Supply Chain and Logistics) to build and lead Humanoid’s SQA function, enabling scalable, reliable, cost‑efficient, supplier quality operations across London, Boston and Vancouver.

Supplier Quality is foundational to building safe, reliable humanoid robots. As we scale production across multiple regions, this role ensures our suppliers deliver consistent, high-reliability components that meet the technical and safety standards required for humanoid robotics.

What You’ll Do

Strategy and leadership

• Define and own Humanoid’s global Supplier Quality strategy, ensuring suppliers meet the standards required for high‑reliability robotics manufacturing across London, Boston, and Vancouver.

• Build the operating model, governance, KPIs and review cadence for Supplier Quality, including incoming inspection, NCR management, MRB governance, supplier audits, and supplier development programmes

• Lead, coach, and develop the SQA team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, structured problem‑solving, and continuous improvement across all supplier‑facing quality activities

• Support Engineering, SCM, and Manufacturing teams across all sites by providing supplier quality expertise, risk assessments, and quality assurance leadership

• Set OKRs, KPIs, and performance expectations for supplier quality, including PPM, DPPM, SCAR closure rates, audit performance, and supplier capability metrics

• Foster a high‑performance, cross‑functional culture that drives supplier accountability, rapid issue resolution, and proactive quality improvement

• Make decisive, data‑driven quality decisions, balancing technical risk, supplier capability, and programme timelines

• Communicate clearly with executives, engineers, and suppliers, escalating risks early and ensuring quality issues are visible, owned, and resolved

• Operate within a high‑complexity robotics supply chain, managing quality across multi‑tier suppliers, long lead times, precision components, PCBA, electromechanical assemblies, and safety‑critical subsystems

• Ensure supplier compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and quality standards, including ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC, and export‑controlled requirements

What We're Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of direct SQA experience, experience in high‑reliability, regulated, or precision manufacturing (aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, medical devices).

• Proven experience establishing or scaling SQA depts. Someone who can create processes, governance, templates, and standards, not just run an existing system

• Degree or Masters in International Supply Chain & Procurement Management, Quality, Engineering, or related field.

• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, ASQ CQE, Lead Auditor (ISO 9001), and experience working within IATF 16949 environments are highly desirable.

• Good understanding of commercial terms, and supplier frameworks.

• Awareness of export controls (including EAR) relevant to robotics and technology.

• This role requires periodic international travel to suppliers and Humanoid sites (approx. 10–20%).

Leadership Skills

• You will initially lead a small team and scale the SQA function as Humanoid’s supplier base and production volumes grow

• Be accountable for the Goods Inspection process

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Google Workspace, Slack, and database management.

• Hands-on experience with ERP (for example SAP S4HANA), and analytics tools such as Power BI.

• Deep understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa, and structured problem‑solving. Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent quality management systems

• Proven success serving project based or engineer to order customers.

• Proven leadership of multi‑site or multi‑region operations

• Real world experience of working with direct commodity teams (covering mechanical systems, electronics & electrical, electromechanical systems, cable & harnessing and Software & digital licensing)

• Ability to assess and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) and Process Capability (Cp/Cpk).

• Experience with process audits, supplier capability assessments, and manufacturing process controls.

• Familiarity with electromechanical assemblies, PCBA quality, machined parts, and complex BOMs (relevant to Humanoid).

Supplier Management & Development

• Proven ability to qualify, onboard, and develop suppliers across multiple commodities.

• Experience driving Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) and closing them effectively.

• Ability to analyse supplier performance using PPM, OTD, DPPM, and cost‑of‑poor‑quality metrics.

• Strong capability in root‑cause analysis and preventive action with suppliers.

• Experience implementing Supplier Quality Agreements (SQAs) and quality clauses in contracts.

Soft Skills

• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder‑management skills (The SQA Manager must influence design, DFM / DFQ, and early supplier engagement).

• Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, engineering‑driven environment.

• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage shifting priorities.

• Experience leading MRBs, NCR processes, and quality governance forums

• Professional, motivated, and able to operate autonomously and within teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive equity: stock options with meaningful upside as we scale.

• 30+ paid days off, including 23 days of annual leave, all UK bank holidays, and additional company closure days (including Christmas–New Year shutdown).

• Private healthcare, including virtual and in-person care.

• Pension scheme with 8% total contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings.

• Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in-office.

• Work at the frontier - collaborate daily with world-class engineers, researchers, and product experts building the next generation of AI and humanoid robotics.

• Real ownership - direct access to founding leadership, meaningful input on product direction, and the ability to drive key initiatives from day one.