Duties and responsibilities

• Develop and execute global strategic sourcing strategies for raw materials, components, capital equipment, and services.
• Lead supplier identification, qualification, onboarding, and lifecycle management with emphasis on Asia-based suppliers, including China.
• Own commercial negotiations including pricing, long-term supply agreements (LTAs), payment terms, Incoterms, warranties, and liability provisions.
• Establish and maintain dual-sourcing strategies and supplier risk mitigation plans to address capacity, geopolitical, quality, and logistics risks.
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and cost-reduction initiatives across the supplier base.
• Partner closely with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams during NPI, pilot builds, and production ramp-up.
• Ensure supplier readiness to support pilot line and high-volume production, including capacity, quality systems, and process maturity.
• Lead supplier performance management through regular business reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and supplier footprint optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance to ensure contract compliance, risk management, and alignment with company policies.
• Conduct supplier site visits and audits as required to support qualification and ongoing performance.
• Prepare and present regular sourcing and procurement performance reports to executive leadership.
• Ensure suppliers meet ALE’s quality, safety, regulatory, and ESG requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading supplier negotiations, cost-reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience working with global suppliers, including Asia-based suppliers.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lithium-ion battery manufacturing or battery supply chain experience preferred.
• Mandarin language proficiency (spoken and written) strongly preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting pilot-to-high-volume production transitions preferred.
• Experience with NetSuite ERP or similar systems such as SAP, including procurement, purchasing, and supplier management modules along with advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.


Physical requirements
• Must be able to bend, squat, reach, and climb on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to lift, pull and push up to 35lbs.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (5%-10%).