Procurement Manager

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager Job Description
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 involves 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Essential Skills
- 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.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 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 NetSuite 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%).
Work Environment
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.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA.
Pay and Benefits
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 knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan (possibly with a match, though many growth-stage manufacturers are modest on matching)
PTO plus company holidays
Life and disability insurance
Bonus eligibility for manager-level employees
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.