Strategic Sourcing Manager

Kerry Search Partners; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A confidential global leader in semiconductor process control and precision manufacturing technology in Detroit is seeking a Sourcing Lead to own strategy and supplier ecosystem for a high-performance HPC platform moving into high-volume manufacturing. You will partner with Central Engineering to translate needs into RFQs and lead supplier engagement.

The role blends engineering and supply chain, requiring cross-functional collaboration across global teams, with growth into adjacent categories

Qualifications

• 8+ years in strategic sourcing or category management in a technical, engineering-driven industry.
• Experience supporting NPI (new product introduction) and system-level sourcing - not just steady-state procurement.
• Comfort operating across engineering teams, supplier ecosystems, and commercial negotiations simultaneously.
• Ideally, exposure to hyperscale or data center infrastructure sourcing (power, networking, cooling, or rack/server ecosystems).
• Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams and influence stakeholders across global teams and time zones.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Central Engineering to define rack architecture and sourcing for high-volume manufacturing.
• Own sourcing strategy across the full rack ecosystem: power distribution, cooling, networking switches, cabling, and rack-level integration.
• Translate engineering requirements into RFQs, supplier selection criteria, and performance frameworks.
• Lead supplier qualification and engagement for new product development, embracing ambiguity as the platform evolves.
• Build and manage long-term relationships with key sub-component suppliers.
• Own supplier governance: QBRs, capacity planning, continuous improvement, cost and contract negotiation.
• Evaluate alternate sourcing locations and drive cost competitiveness across the ecosystem.
• Act as the primary bridge between Engineering and Supply Chain for rack infrastructure decisions.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

NPI experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Data center infrastructure

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Location: Detroit, MI | Level: Individual Contributor Company: A confidential global leader in semiconductor process control and precision manufacturing technology

About the Opportunity

We're hiring for a confidential search on behalf of a global technology leader whose compute infrastructure is a genuine competitive differentiator - high-performance computing (HPC) tooling represents one of the company's largest areas of capital investment. As the company scales from proof-of-concept to high-volume manufacturing on a next-generation rack platform, we're looking for a Sourcing Lead to own the strategy and supplier ecosystem behind it.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of engineering and supply chain on a program that matters - getting close to Central Engineering, shaping architecture decisions from the sourcing side, and building long-term supplier relationships from the ground up.

What You'll Do

Engineering Sourcing (NPI-style, but broader)

• Partner directly with Central Engineering to define rack architecture and sourcing strategy for a platform moving into high-volume manufacturing
• Own sourcing strategy across the full rack ecosystem: power distribution, cooling (air, RDHX, liquid), networking switches, cabling, and rack-level integration
• Translate engineering requirements into RFQs, supplier selection criteria, and performance frameworks
• Lead supplier qualification and engagement for new product development, embracing ambiguity as the platform evolves

Supplier & Category Management

• Build and manage long-term relationships with key sub-component suppliers - power, networking switches, cabling, and contract manufacturing partners
• Own supplier governance: QBRs, capacity planning, continuous improvement, cost and contract negotiation
• Evaluate alternate sourcing locations and drive cost competitiveness across the ecosystem
• Act as the primary bridge between Engineering and Supply Chain for rack infrastructure decisions

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years in strategic sourcing or category management in a technical, engineering-driven industry
• Experience supporting NPI (new product introduction) and system-level sourcing - not just steady-state procurement
• Comfort operating across engineering teams, supplier ecosystems, and commercial negotiations simultaneously
• Ideally, exposure to hyperscale or data center infrastructure sourcing (power, networking, cooling, or rack/server ecosystems)
• Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams and influence stakeholders across global teams and time zones
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Why This Role

• High-visibility program: the company is moving from POC to high-volume manufacturing now, with procurement kicking off in early 2027 - you'll help pick the suppliers that scale the platform
• Direct partnership with senior engineering leadership on architecture and roadmap decisions
• Global team exposure - collaborating with counterparts across the US and Singapore
• Room to grow scope as the sourcing organization expands into adjacent categories