Strategic Cost Optimization Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

401(k) matching

Generous PTO policy

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking a Strategic Cost Optimization Manager to lead corporate-wide cost reduction initiatives. This vital role involves collaborating across multiple departments to achieve cost reduction targets and involves a part in strategic supply management.

The successful candidate will need a bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience. Bilingual capability in Chinese (Mandarin) is required, and the position will be based on-site in Sugar Land, Texas.

Benefits include flexible health plans, 401(k) matching, and a relocation package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in supplier cost control or procurement in high-tech industry.
• Experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional sourcing initiatives.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 60%).

Responsibilities

• Lead cost reduction initiatives across global operations.
• Perform cost modeling and should-cost analysis.
• Develop and drive a global cost optimization roadmap.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Strategic Cost Optimization Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

We are seeking a highly analytical and results‑oriented Strategic Cost Optimization Manager to lead corporate‑wide cost reduction initiatives across global operations, supporting the company’s objective of achieving a 20% cost reduction target by the end of 2027.

This role serves as the central coordinator and catalyst for cost optimization efforts across manufacturing sites in the United States, China, and Taiwan, partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Manufacturing, and key suppliers. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, tracking, and executing cost reduction opportunities across materials, PCBA, optical components, semiconductors, telecom hardware, manufacturing processes, logistics, and capital investments.

In addition, the role will support strategic supply management and material/equipment recovery or pull‑in activities as needed, particularly for globally constrained or business‑critical IC components and capital equipment shared across multiple manufacturing sites.

Job Duties

• Develop and drive a multi‑year global cost optimization roadmap aligned with corporate profitability and margin improvement objectives
• Lead cross‑functional cost reduction initiatives across materials, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and operational expenditures
• Coordinate cost reduction activities across manufacturing and sourcing teams in the United States, China, and Taiwan
• Establish annual, quarterly, and monthly cost reduction targets and monitor progress against commitments
• Drive accountability across stakeholders to ensure achievement of cost reduction goals and project milestones
• Prepare executive‑level dashboards, KPI reporting, and management reviews on cost reduction performance
• Quantify and validate realized savings in partnership with Finance

Cost Analysis & Value Engineering

• Perform detailed cost modeling, should‑cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through value engineering, design‑to‑cost, process optimization, and supplier collaboration
• Analyze product cost structures including optical transceivers, PCBA, wafers, semiconductors, mechanical assemblies, and telecom hardware
• Evaluate cost impacts associated with product design changes, manufacturing processes, yield improvements, and material substitutions
• Support make‑versus‑buy analyses and manufacturing footprint optimization initiatives
• Develop business cases and ROI assessments for cost reduction projects
• Partner with sourcing and supplier management teams to identify and execute supplier‑driven cost reduction opportunities
• Lead commercial discussions related to cost improvement programs, productivity initiatives, and long‑term pricing strategies
• Review supplier cost structures and validate cost reduction proposals
• Collaborate with suppliers on value engineering, process improvements, localization, and capacity optimization opportunities
• Monitor commodity trends, supplier capacity, market conditions, and cost drivers impacting material spend
• Support supplier negotiations related to annual productivity and cost reduction commitments

Global Operations Coordination

• Serve as the central coordinator for cost reduction activities across global manufacturing sites
• Align cost reduction priorities among Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance organizations
• Drive implementation of best practices and cost optimization initiatives across multiple locations
• Support manufacturing transfer, localization, automation, and productivity improvement programs
• Facilitate executive reviews and cross‑functional governance meetings to ensure timely execution of cost reduction actions

Risk Management & Strategic Planning

• Evaluate geopolitical, tariff, trade compliance, logistics, and supply chain risks impacting product cost structures
• Assess cost implications of supplier transitions, manufacturing footprint changes, and sourcing strategies
• Support tariff mitigation, localization, and supply chain resiliency initiatives
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to executive leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in supplier cost control, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or procurement in manufacturing or high‑tech industry
• Experience in semiconductor, optical, telecom, or electronics manufacturing industries
• Proven experience supporting NPI programs and supplier qualification activities
• Experience managing global suppliers and cross‑functional sourcing initiatives
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Must be bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)
• Experience working with Asia‑based suppliers (China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 60%)

Location

This position will be on‑site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offering employees the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at the end of the year
• Relocation package available within the US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)