Global Powertrain Sourcing Leader

Rivian; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 99,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian in Plymouth, MI or Irvine, CA seeks a Senior Global Supply Manager to lead end-to-end sourcing strategy for vehicle programs. You will negotiate terms, manage LTAs, and collaborate with Tier 1 suppliers to protect Rivian’s production interests.

This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and driving cost efficiencies across powertrain commodities, including batteries and drive units. Travel up to 20% is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering and a minimum of 3 years of direct procurement experience.
• Domain Expertise: Specific negotiation and technical experience for the assigned commodity, with automotive industry experience preferred, along with an understanding of cost estimation models to identify risk.
• Commodity-Specific Experience: Deep sourcing experience in key powertrain commodities (e.g., ICE components, transmission systems, electric drive units, battery cells/modules, or power electronics).
• Strong grasp of manufacturing processes specific to powertrain manufacturing (e.g., high‑pressure die casting, precision machining, forging, stamping, or automated assembly) to validate supplier cost breakdowns.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in SAP, Basecamp, and using cost estimating outputs to close should‑cost gaps.
• Communication: Professional interpersonal and presentation skills; ability to defuse conflicts and provide feedback to peers.
• Execution: Ability to work on problems of diverse scope, evaluating identifiable factors to find solutions and exercising good judgment.
• Operational Style: Comfortable receiving general instructions on new assignments and managing day‑to‑day work with independence.
• Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel as needed based on business needs, up to 20% annually.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing: Concurrently lead projects with medium to large vehicle spend for powertrain commodity, supporting the execution of a multi‑generational vehicle strategy. Drive the competitive bid process and lead manager‑level reviews with leadership oversight.
• Systems & Process: Effectively use supply chain systems to support business needs, including placing RFI/RFPs and purchase orders timely and accurately. Proactively identify and provide feedback on system functionality to drive process improvement.
• Technical Understanding: Lead supplier prospecting and drive a commodity strategy that supports the vehicle program. Monitor economic, political, and technology landscapes with some direction to prevent risks.
• Negotiations: Negotiate most commercial terms and LTAs with some legal involvement. Use cost estimating outputs to close “should cost” gaps and identify areas of opportunity or risk with some leadership oversight.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain relationships with Tier 1 account and program managers. Maintain a basic understanding of the sub‑supplier footprint and raw material drivers for your assigned commodity.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders while managing expectations. Inform appropriate teams to provide detailed forecasting and costs that support long‑term plans.
• Project Management & Risk Mitigation: Lead small‑scale projects with autonomy and limited management support. Identify and mitigate low‑complexity risks in a timely manner and provide proposals for resolution.

Skills

Automotive industry experience

Cost estimation

Negotiation

Powertrain sourcing

Battery cells/modules

Power electronics

Powertrain manufacturing processes

SAP

Basecamp

Cost estimating tools

Communication

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering

Tools

SAP

Basecamp

Job description

Rivian in Plymouth, MI or Irvine, CA seeks a Senior Global Supply Manager to lead end-to-end sourcing strategy for vehicle programs. You will negotiate terms, manage LTAs, and collaborate with Tier 1 suppliers to protect Rivian’s production interests.

This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and driving cost efficiencies across powertrain commodities, including batteries and drive units. Travel up to 20% is expected as needed.