Strategic Sourcing Manager

Duties and responsibilities Develop and execute global strategic sourcing strategies for raw materials, components, capital equipment, and services. Lead supplier identification, qualification, onboarding, and lifecycle management with emphasis on Asia-based suppliers, including China. Own commercial negotiations including pricing, long-term supply agreements (LTAs), payment terms, Incoterms, warranties, and liability provisions. Establish and maintain dual-sourcing strategies and supplier risk mitigation plans to address capacity, geopolitical, quality, and logistics risks. Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and cost-reduction initiatives across the supplier base. Partner closely with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams during NPI, pilot builds, and production ramp-up. Ensure supplier readiness to support pilot line and high-volume production, including capacity, quality systems, and process maturity. Lead supplier performance management through regular business reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness. Support make-versus-buy decisions and supplier footprint optimization initiatives. Collaborate with Legal and Finance to ensure contract compliance, risk management, and alignment with company policies. Conduct supplier site visits and audits as required to support qualification and ongoing performance. Prepare and present regular sourcing and procurement performance reports to executive leadership. Ensure suppliers meet ALE’s quality, safety, regulatory, and ESG requirements. Perform other related duties as assigned.Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, Materials Science, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success in leading supplier negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies. Experience working with global suppliers, including Asia-based suppliers. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. Lithium-ion battery manufacturing or battery supply chain experience preferred. Mandarin language proficiency (spoken and written) strongly preferred. Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industry experience preferred. Experience supporting pilot-to-high-volume production transitions preferred. Experience with NetSuite ERP or similar systems such as SAP, including procurement, purchasing, and supplier management modules along with advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.Physical requirements Must be able to bend, squat, reach, and climb on a frequent basis. Must be able to lift, pull and push up to 35lbs. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (5%-10%).