Strategic Sourcing Program Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

Employer matching on 401(k)

Generous PTO policy

Relocation package available

Immigration sponsorships available

Job summary

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC is looking for a Strategic Sourcing Program Manager in Sugar Land, Texas. This role will oversee global sourcing initiatives for the company's optical networking and semiconductor products.

The ideal candidate will manage projects from concept through production, ensuring successful product launches and supply chain readiness. A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years experience are required, along with proficiency in SAP and a strong project management background.

The position supports NPI programs and requires bilingual communication in Chinese (Mandarin).

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing or supply chain management.
• Proven experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of sourcing strategies.
• Lead sourcing-related projects across various teams.
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate on cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Project management

Supplier management

Cross-functional leadership

Bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

ERP systems

Job description

AOI is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

Strategic Sourcing Program Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Strategic Sourcing Program Manager to support global sourcing initiatives across the Company's optical networking, semiconductor, PCBA, and telecommunications product lines.

This position will be responsible for leading sourcing programs from concept through production, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), supplier qualification, second-source development, supply continuity, and strategic sourcing initiatives. The role will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and global suppliers to ensure successful product launches, cost competitiveness, and supply chain readiness.

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.

The ideal candidate possesses strong project management, supplier management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.

Job Duties

Strategic Sourcing & Program Management

• Support development and execution of sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness
• Lead sourcing-related projects and coordinate activities across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams
• Manage project schedules, deliverables, risks, and stakeholder communications to ensure successful execution
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Global Sourcing Director
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs through supplier selection, qualification, and production readiness activities
• Drive second-source and multi-source qualification initiatives to strengthen supply chain resiliency
• Coordinate supplier onboarding, capability assessments, and qualification activities
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Support RFQ processes, supplier negotiations, and contract implementation activities
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate on continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve sourcing and supply-related issues
• Support engineering changes, component transitions, and product lifecycle management activities
• Facilitate communication and alignment between internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Monitor supplier capacity, market trends, and supply chain risks
• Support risk mitigation planning, supply continuity efforts, and sourcing recommendations
• Provide regular project and sourcing updates to management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, supplier development, program management, or procurement within a manufacturing or high-tech industry
• 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)

Location

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

WHY AOI?

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer 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)