Position Overview

We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Lead to lead sourcing strategy and supplier management for critical components supporting our advanced navigation and inertial sensing technologies. This role will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that ensure supply continuity, cost optimization, and high-quality component availability across a complex electronics and precision manufacturing environment.

The Strategic Sourcing Lead will partner closely with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to align procurement strategies with product development cycles, manufacturing requirements, and company growth objectives. This individual will also build and manage strong supplier partnerships across global electronics and precision component markets.

This position plays a key role in strengthening the supply chain capabilities as the company continues to expand in aerospace, defense, robotics, and autonomous systems markets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Strategy

·     Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key direct material categories including electronic components, PCBs, sensors, precision machined parts, and contract manufacturing services.

·     Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support product development, production scaling, and supply risk mitigation.

·     Lead competitive sourcing processes including RFQs, RFPs, and supplier negotiations to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance.

·     Continuously analyze supplier markets, cost drivers, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions and long-term supply strategies.

·     Establish dual sourcing and supplier diversification strategies to ensure business continuity.

Supplier Relationship Management

·     Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers domestically and globally.

·     Negotiate pricing, terms, service levels, and long-term supply agreements.

·     Develop supplier scorecards and performance management programs focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.

·     Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives and corrective actions when necessary.

·     Coordinate supplier engagement during new product introduction (NPI) and engineering changes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

·     Partner closely with Engineering and Product Development to support component selection, supplier qualification, and cost optimization during product design.

·     Work with Operations and Planning teams to ensure alignment between sourcing strategies and production requirements.

·     Support manufacturing scalability through supplier capacity planning and supply risk mitigation.

·     Collaborate with Quality teams to ensure supplier compliance with company and industry standards.

Cost Management & Process Improvement

·     Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic negotiations, should-cost analysis, and supply base optimization.

·     Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, contract management, and supplier collaboration.

·     Develop and track procurement KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, and risk mitigation metrics.

·     Support implementation of best-in-class sourcing processes and procurement tools.

Qualifications

Education

·     Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

·     7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within a manufacturing or technology environment.

·     Experience sourcing electronics components, electromechanical assemblies, or precision components strongly preferred.

·     Proven track record of negotiating supplier contracts and managing supplier performance.

·     Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and working closely with engineering teams.

Skills & Competencies

·     Strong strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation expertise.

·     Deep understanding of electronics and precision component supply markets.

·     Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

·     Ability to manage complex supplier relationships and cross-functional projects.

·     Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

·     Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

·     Experience supporting aerospace, robotics, defense, or high-reliability electronics industries.

·     Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and procurement analytics tools.

·     Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or APICS.