Title:  Senior Director of Operations Strategy

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future.

Role: Sr. Director, Operations Strategy

Reports to: COO
Location: San Jose, CA

Role Overview

The Sr. Director, Operations Strategy translates Operations‑level strategy into disciplined execution. This leader owns cross‑functional program delivery and operational planning across technology transfer, supply chain, logistics, and cost management—ensuring that short‑term execution and long‑term operating plans are tightly connected.

The role partners closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, and external partners to drive outcomes. This position is execution‑oriented, with accountability for program delivery, operational readiness, and cost performance across the operations value chain.

What You’ll Deliver in the First 12 Months:

1. Strong Program & Portfolio Execution

• Delivery of 3–5 complex, cross‑functional programs spanning technology transfer, supply chain readiness, cost reduction, and manufacturing/logistics planning
• Clear program ownership, milestones, dependencies, risks, and benefit realization

2. Technology Transfer Readiness

• Structured, repeatable technology transfer programs from R&D into Operations and manufacturing partners
• Clear readiness criteria, timelines, risk management, and interlocks across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors

3. Short‑ and Long‑Term Cost Management

• Near‑term cost reduction initiatives with measurable savings
• Long‑range cost models supporting manufacturing strategy, sourcing decisions, and scaling scenarios
• Clear visibility into cost drivers, tradeoffs, and investment decisions

4. Operations Planning & Supply Chain Alignment

• Integrated operating plans linking demand, capacity, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing readiness
• Scenario planning to support leadership decisions on timing, scale, and external partnerships

5. Decision‑Quality Insights

• Operational KPIs, dashboards, and planning artifacts that enable fast, data‑driven decisions
• Transparent tradeoffs surfaced to executive leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Strategy & Planning
• Translate Operations strategy into executable roadmaps, programs, and operating plans
• Lead annual and multi‑year planning for Operations, in close partnership with Finance and functional leaders
• Maintain an enterprise view of operational priorities, tradeoffs, and capacity constraints
• Program & Portfolio Management (Core Focus)
• Own execution of complex, cross‑functional programs across Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering
• Stand up and run lightweight but rigorous program management (scope, milestones, RACI, risks, dependencies, benefits)
• Interlock internal execution with external partners and suppliers where applicable
• Technology Transfer
• Lead cross‑functional technology transfer programs from development into production and manufacturing ecosystems
• Ensure alignment across process readiness, supplier readiness, quality, and cost targets
• Identify and mitigate scale‑up and execution risks early
• Cost Management & Operational Efficiency
• Lead short‑term cost reduction initiatives and structural cost improvements
• Develop long‑term cost roadmaps tied to manufacturing strategy, sourcing, and scale
• Partner with Finance to model scenarios, ROI, and investment tradeoffs
• Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations Planning
• Drive integrated supply chain and logistics planning aligned with production and customer needs
• Partner with Supply Chain leaders to ensure readiness, resilience, and execution discipline
• Support make/buy, sourcing, and partner strategy through data‑driven analysis
• Decision Support & Analytics
• Define and track operational KPIs across programs and planning horizons
• Deliver scenario analyses and executive‑ready insights to inform prioritization and sequencing
• Ensure data quality and consistency across Operations reporting
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
• Influence and align senior leaders across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance
• Lead through ambiguity with clarity, structure, and execution discipline

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Operations Strategy, Program Management, or Operations Leadership
• Strong track record delivering complex, cross‑functional programs end‑to‑end
• Experience with technology transfer, manufacturing scale‑up, supply chain, or logistics
• Demonstrated cost management and operational planning expertise
• Strong financial and analytical acumen; able to translate data into decisions
• Credibility and effectiveness working with senior technical and operations leaders

Onsite: This position is required to work onsite 5 days per week to meet the minimum essential duties and requirements of this position.  As an on-site R&D and manufacturing operations organization, in-person face to face interaction is essential to building authentic relationships, trust, teamwork, and collaboration. 

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $220,900 to $309,200, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience and educational background. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.