Procurement Manager

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager

Location: Vista, CA (Onsite) Schedule: Monday-Friday | Flexible Start Time (7:00 AM-9:00 AM) Travel: 5%-10% Domestic & International

About the Opportunity

Join a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing organization at the forefront of lithium-ion battery technology. As the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager , you will play a critical role in building and scaling a global supply chain that supports both pilot production and future high-volume manufacturing operations. This is a highly visible leadership position responsible for developing sourcing strategies, optimizing supplier performance, reducing material costs, mitigating supply chain risk, and ensuring a reliable supply base for next-generation battery manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines strategic sourcing expertise with hands-on experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for direct materials, components, capital equipment, and manufacturing services.
- Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage domestic and international suppliers.
- Lead commercial negotiations involving pricing, contracts, long-term agreements (LTAs), payment terms, warranties, and Incoterms.
- Drive measurable cost-reduction initiatives through spend analysis, cost modeling, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies.
- Establish dual-source strategies and supplier risk mitigation plans to ensure supply continuity.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), pilot builds, and manufacturing scale-up initiatives.
- Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Finance, and R&D teams to optimize sourcing decisions.
- Develop supplier scorecards and lead supplier performance reviews focused on quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness.
- Conduct supplier audits and on-site evaluations as needed.
- Monitor and report sourcing metrics, procurement performance, and supply chain strategies to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Materials Science, or a related field.
- 7+ years of strategic sourcing and procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience developing sourcing strategies for direct materials, components, equipment, and production services.
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex supplier agreements and delivering significant cost savings.
- Strong understanding of supplier relationship management, supplier performance management, and commercial risk mitigation.
- Experience working with global suppliers, particularly within Asia.
- Expertise in supplier diversification, dual sourcing strategies, and contingency planning.
- Advanced analytical, negotiation, communication, and financial acumen.
- Experience supporting production ramp-ups, pilot programs, and NPI activities.
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or similar platforms.
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience sourcing chemicals, critical materials, or components used in battery manufacturing.
- Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industry experience.
- Knowledge of AS9100, export controls, NDAA compliance, or related industry requirements.
- Lithium-ion battery, energy storage, or electrification industry experience.
- Mandarin language proficiency.
- Experience in startup or high-growth manufacturing environments.
- ERP implementation experience.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

- Strategic sourcing mindset focused on long-term supply chain optimization.
- Strong negotiation skills with a track record of reducing material costs.
- Ability to build and maintain high-performing supplier partnerships.
- Exceptional attention to detail, particularly around BOMs, material planning, and inventory management.
- Solutions-oriented approach with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
- Continuous improvement mentality with a focus on lean manufacturing principles and supply chain efficiency.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to influence the growth of an innovative manufacturing organization by building a world-class supply chain from the ground up. You'll work closely with executive leadership, drive strategic initiatives, and play a direct role in supporting the future of advanced battery technology and manufacturing.
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 14, 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.