Procurement Manager

The Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager is responsible for defining and executing the company's global sourcing and procurement strategy to support lithium-ion battery manufacturing and advanced industrial production operations. This role involved leading supplier selection, commercial negotiations, supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost optimization initiatives. The position requires close partnership with Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply base capable of supporting both pilot programs and high-volume production.

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for materials, components, equipment, and services.
• Lead supplier identification, qualification, onboarding, and supplier lifecycle management.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, LTAs, payment terms, Incoterms, and commercial agreements.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives using TCO and spend analysis methodologies.
• Establish supplier risk management and dual-sourcing strategies.
• Support NPI programs, pilot builds, and manufacturing scale-up activities.
• Lead supplier performance reviews focused on quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Conduct supplier audits and site visits as required.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on sourcing decisions and supply chain optimization efforts.
• Report sourcing performance metrics and procurement strategies to leadership.

• Extensive experience in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for direct materials, components, capital equipment, and manufacturing services.
• Proven success in leading supplier negotiations involving pricing, long-term agreements (LTAs), payment terms, Incoterms, warranties, and commercial risk management.
• Strong supplier relationship management and performance management capabilities, including supplier scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action processes.
• Expertise in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, cost modeling, and implementation of cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ability to establish sourcing strategies that mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, supplier diversification, and contingency planning.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, Materials Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of strategic sourcing and procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex supplier agreements and delivering measurable cost savings.
• Experience sourcing from global suppliers, particularly within Asia and China.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, financial, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), pilot line development, and production ramp activities.
• Familiarity with supplier quality systems, manufacturing processes, and supplier capacity assessments.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems such as Net Suite or SAP.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Lithium-ion battery industry experience preferred.
• Mandarin language proficiency strongly preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (5%-10%).

The role is based on-site in a fast-paced advanced manufacturing environment in Vista, California, supporting lithium-ion battery production and commercialization. It involves a high level of cross-functional collaboration with teams in Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Finance, and Program Management. The work involves a blend of strategic sourcing activities, supplier management, contract negotiations, and executive reporting. Regular interaction with domestic and international suppliers, including Asia-based manufacturing partners, is required.

There is occasional domestic and international travel for supplier visits, audits, qualification activities, and business reviews. The environment supports both pilot-line development and high-volume manufacturing operations and is quality-driven and highly regulated.

This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job…