Supplier Quality Manager

About Fairphone

Fairphone is more than just a company - we are a global leader in sustainable, modular electronics, on a mission to change the electronics industry from the inside out. Built on strong social and environmental values, we are a diverse and inclusive team from all walks of life creating market consumer electronics that make a real impact.

At Fairphone, you will find a supportive and safe space where everyone can be themselves, collaborate openly, and have the freedom to learn and grow - because that’s how we innovate and drive change together!

So… are you a proactive, self-motivated team player who loves taking initiative and bringing positive energy? Do you thrive in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environment? Are you a great communicator who values collaboration and embraces different perspectives? And most importantly, do you feel a strong connection to Fairphone’s mission and values? If you're nodding along and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then check out our vacancy below!

Please know that we acknowledge that we are living in a time where the use of AI can bring many efficiencies and support. However, we want to know the real YOU. Please try to limit the use of AI tools to generate answers to the application; we value authenticity and encourage you to use your creativity!

Location: China (you should have the right to work in either of these locations)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Start: ASAP

Deadline to apply: We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible.

About your role

The Supplier Quality Manager plays a pivotal role in establishing, maintaining, and elevating the quality standards across our suppliers network for audio products and smartphones. Embedded within the Quality Operations team under Global Operations, this role is responsible for leading operational due diligence during supplier selection, overseeing quality risks from suppliers and field quality, and ensuring a closed loop resolution.

Serving as the key operational link between internal cross-functional stakeholders and external suppliers, the Supplier Quality Manager executes continuous improvement initiatives to build a resilient, high-performing supplier quality ecosystem. Crucially, this role bridges post-launch field quality analytics directly back to supplier processes, translating real-world consumer defect trends into targeted preventive actions and continuous supplier improvements. Additionally, this position acts as an operational support for team members who focus on downstream suppliers to ensure aligned quality standards.

Based in China with the core Quality Operations team located in the Netherlands, this role requires strong autonomous responsibility on the ground to drive local supplier accountability while maintaining seamless remote collaboration and alignment with Amsterdam Headquarters team.

Key Responsibilities & Objectives

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational due diligence evaluations to assess suppliers operational capabilities, compliance, readiness, and quality systems
• Set up, coordinate, and execute the comprehensive Operations Supplier Due Diligence and Audit Roadmap.
• Apply standardized risk management methodologies to identify operational risks and enforce proactive mitigation plans.
• Lead and contribute to strategic initiatives and process optimization projects within the Supplier Quality and Quality Operations domains.
• Support with investigation and escalation of quality issues to suppliers
• Provide support to team members responsible for downstream suppliers to ensure end-to-end quality across the network.
• Establish closed-loop feedback mechanisms linking real-world smartphone and audio field issue data directly back to supplier process controls.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders (such as Strategic sourcing, Manufacturing Operations, Product, Engineering) to drive quality improvements.

Key Objectives

• Ensure timely and successful delivery of audio device programs with ODM partners. Managing ODM deliverables such as project timelines, prototypes, testing, validation, and product ramp-up.
• Translate Fairphone’s sustainability and product quality standards into actionable plans with external partners.
• Coordinate across internal teams (Audio Design, Software, Hardware, Operations) to support ODM execution.
• Drive continuous improvement in ODM collaboration practices, processes, and product outcomes.

Your Skills & Experience

• You have a minimum of 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality or Quality Operations, with a proven track record in consumer electronics (smartphones, audio, or IoT devices) and supplier networks.
• You have some formal training in Quality Management / Operations
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin.
• Preferably, you are familiar with working with macOS, Google Workspace, and Basecamp.

What Fairphone can offer you?

• The opportunity to create an impact on the electronics industry around the world.
• A diverse work environment full of international, passionate, warm-hearted team members.
• Competitive salary aligned with market standards.
• Statutory paid annual leave (10 days upon joining), public holidays, and rest days in accordance with the labour law.
• Social benefits & contributions made by both employer and employee as required under Chinese law.
• Professional development opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement.