Strategic Cost Optimization Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

AOI; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package within the US

Immigration sponsorships

Generous PTO policy

Employer 401(k) matching

Job summary

AOI is seeking a strategic Cost Optimization Manager to lead enterprise-wide cost reduction initiatives across global operations, aiming for a 20% cost reduction by 2027. The role will coordinate across materials, manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers in the US, China, and Taiwan, with heavy emphasis on analytics and ROI-driven programs.

The position requires 8+ years in supplier cost control or strategic sourcing within high-tech manufacturing, with strong project management,

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 travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 60%).

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide cost reduction initiatives across materials, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Develop multi-year cost optimization roadmap across global operations.
• Coordinate cost reduction across US, China, and Taiwan.
• Prepare executive dashboards, KPI reporting, and reviews.
• Drive supplier cost management and negotiations.
• Support make-versus-buy analyses and footprint optimization.
• Monitor cost drivers and market conditions globally.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

ERP systems

Job description

Summary

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.

Job Duties

• Enterprise Cost Reduction Leadership
• 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
• Supplier Cost Management
• 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)