Strategic Sourcing Specialist

SummaryWe are seeking a results-driven Strategic Sourcing Specialist to lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives across critical categories including optical transceivers, wafers, telecom hardware, and related components.This role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, leading commercial negotiations, and driving total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements while ensuring supply continuity, quality, and compliance. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capability, commercial judgment, and stakeholder leadership, with deep understanding of global supply markets, contract structures, and cost drivers.Job DutiesStrategic Sourcing & Category ManagementDevelop and execute category strategies aligned with business objectives and technology roadmaps Lead end-to-end Source-to-Contract (S2C) process, including RFQ/RFP execution, bid analysis, and supplier selection Demonstrated experience sourcing across one or more key spend categories, including direct materials, CAPEX capital equipment, indirect procurement, and/or facilities/infrastructure projects; hands-on category ownership is required. Conduct should-cost modeling, benchmarking, and TCO analysis to identify savings opportunities Identify and mitigate supply risks through dual-sourcing and supply diversification strategies Monitor market dynamics, cost drivers, and capacity trends to inform sourcing decisions Assess supply impacts from geopolitical, macroeconomic, or operational disruptions Maintain sourcing data, dashboards, and reporting for leadership visibility Commercial & Contract ManagementLead complex price and contract negotiations with suppliers Review and negotiate Terms & Conditions (T&Cs), including liability, IP, warranty, and service levels Ensure contracts align with regulatory, tax, and tariff considerations Drive contract lifecycle management and compliance monitoring Support escalation management, including RMA and commercial disputes Supplier Relationship & Performance ManagementBuild and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and executive counterparts Establish and track supplier KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, technology, sustainability) Conduct quarterly and annual business reviews (QBRs/ABRs) Drive supplier performance improvement and continuous cost reduction initiatives Ensure suppliers meet technical, quality, ESG, and regulatory requirements Manage supplier onboarding, NDA compliance, and documentation Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner with engineering, SC operations, PM, finance, quality teams Lead stakeholder alignment on sourcing decisions and trade-offs Provide data-driven recommendations to support make-vs-buy and design decisions Support new product introduction (NPI) sourcing and ramp planning Market Intelligence & Risk ManagementTrack industry trends, capacity outlooks, and supplier financial health Monitor tariffs, trade regulations, and geopolitical risks impacting supply Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies Provide regular market intelligence updates to leadership QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Business or a related field5+ years of working experience of strategic sourcing or procurement experience in high-tech or manufacturingProven track record of delivering cost savings and negotiating complex agreementsStrong analytical, financial modeling, and negotiation skillsExperience with global suppliers and cross-functional collaborationStrategic thinking and commercial acumenTotal Cost of Ownership (TCO) mindsetNegotiation and influencing skillsRisk management and decision making under uncertaintyExecutive communication and stakeholder managementData-driven problem solvingPreferredMandarin Chinese speaking is preferred. Experience in optical, semiconductor, or telecom hardware industries Knowledge of international trade, tariffs, and contract law fundamentals APICS / CPSM / CIPS or similar certification Master's or advanced degree Be able to travel up to 60% of the time and will need to be flexible for extended or short-notice travel. LocationThis position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.WHY AOI?In addition to a competitive salary, AOI offersFlexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer employees the right options to meet individual and family needsEmployer matching on 401(k) deferralsGenerous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at the end of the yearRelocation package available within the USImmigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)