Head of Strategic Sourcing, Maximo

Maximo is an AI enabled field robotics venture incubated within The AES Corporation, built to transform how utility scale solar projects are constructed. By deploying a fleet of intelligent robots in the field, Maximo is redefining installation speed, safety, and delivery certainty at a time when time to power is critical. Our technology combines robotics, AI-based vision, and advanced systems to bring physical intelligence to real world construction environments, enabling solar projects to be delivered faster and more predictably at scale. Job Description Maximo is building a new category at the intersection of robotics, AI, and utility scale solar construction. The Head of Strategic Sourcing will lead the development and execution of the supply chain required to support multi-site, parallel fleet deployment. This role owns end to end sourcing and procurement across the business. It requires a leader who can operate at both strategic and execution levels, translating supplier strategy, procurement decisions, technical specs and commercial alignment into tangible impact in the field and fleet build. The position demands strong ownership, the ability to move quickly, and a willingness to engage directly in execution to ensure outcomes are delivered. Major Responsibilities Supplier Strategy and Ecosystem Build and manage a high performing supplier network across robotics, mobility, structural components, and field consumables. Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers aligned with cost, scale, and reliability targets. Develop long term partnerships with key suppliers while maintaining flexibility and leverage. Procurement Ownership and Execution Own and manage procurement activities across teams, ensuring alignment, speed, and discipline across all purchasing decisions. Establish procurement processes, controls, and visibility to support scalable and efficient operations. Drive consistency in sourcing and purchasing practices across the organization. Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement to support fleet build, field operations and deployment schedules. Cost and System Economics Drive cost reduction at the system level, not just component level. Partner with Product and Engineering on design to cost and should cost initiatives. Define and execute cost roadmaps. Fleet Scale and Supply Enablement Enable reliable supply to support simultaneous deployment across multiple sites. Align supplier capacity with deployment schedules and operational needs. Build sourcing strategies that support fleet expansion and batch scaling of equipment. Strategic Negotiations and Risk Management Lead complex negotiations with critical suppliers, including robotics OEMs and key component vendors. Structure agreements that balance pricing, flexibility, and downside protection. Manage exposure to tariffs, domestic content requirements, and supply constraints. Develop sourcing strategies that mitigate supply chain disruption while maintaining cost discipline. Commercial and Cross Functional Integration Work closely with Commercial to align fleet build strategy with project pipeline, pricing, and margin targets. Provide input into commercial decisions based on supply chain constraints and opportunities. Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to ensure alignment and execution. Influence product and system design decisions based on supply chain realities. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related technical discipline. A master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or Business Administration (MBA) is highly valued. 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, or procurement. Experience negotiating equipment or hardware agreements within the robotics, automation, construction machinery, or automotive industries. Proven track record of supporting rapid scaling in operations or deployment environments. Strong experience in strategic vendor negotiations, contracting, and global sourcing. Founder’s mentality: entrepreneurial drive, a strong bias for action, and the intellectual curiosity to identify and pursue new opportunities. Skills and behaviors: ability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced, technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills, a results-oriented and can-do attitude, and a strong execution mindset. Comfortable operating in situations with uncertainty and ambiguity, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and attention to detail. Technology fluency: demonstrated ability to understand engineering and technology concepts, challenge assumptions, and make informed decisions based on technical requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr The AES Corporation