Procurement Manager

Aston Carter; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan

PTO and company holidays

Life and disability insurance

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager to lead global sourcing for direct materials and services in a high-growth battery manufacturing context. This onsite role in Vista/Carlsbad area focuses on building resilient supplier networks and driving substantial cost reductions.

The candidate will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance to scale pilot production and future high-volume operations, while managing supplier risk and performance across regions,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 7+ years in strategic sourcing for manufacturing.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex supplier agreements and achieve cost savings.
• Experience with global suppliers, especially in Asia, and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for materials and services.
• Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage domestic and international suppliers.
• Lead commercial negotiations including LTAs, terms, and Incoterms.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives using spend analysis and TCO methods.
• Establish dual-source plans for supply continuity.
• Support NPI, pilot builds, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and R&D.
• Develop supplier scorecards and conduct reviews on quality, cost, delivery.
• Conduct supplier audits and on-site evaluations as needed.
• Report sourcing metrics to senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

NetSuite

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

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 [e-mail] 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.