Sourcing Manager

Sourcing Manager - MechanicalsFounded in 2024, Nexthop Systems Inc is at the forefront of building high-performance AI infrastructure solutions tailored to meet the demands of the world's largest cloud operators. Specializing in AI infrastructure hardware and software development, Nexthop is committed to delivering cutting-edge, efficient, and scalable technology that powers the next generation of artificial intelligence. By combining expertise in advanced hardware and software integration, Nexthop enables cloud providers to optimize AI workloads, reduce costs, and improve energy efficiency.We are looking for an experienced, commercially strong, and execution-driven Sourcing Manager - Mechanicals to lead the sourcing strategy, commercial negotiations, and ongoing performance management for our global mechanical, thermal, and power partners.This role will own the commercial relationship with Tier 1 manufacturers around the world, drive cost competitiveness, negotiate complex manufacturing and supply agreements, and partner closely with Engineering and Operations to ensure flawless NPI execution and scalable mass production.You will be responsible for delivering the right balance of cost, quality, flexibility, and supply assurance—while shaping Nexthop's long-term supplier strategy.Job ResponsibilitiesCommercial & Contract Ownership Lead commercial management of global PCB fabricators and PCB material manufacturers across NPI and mass production.Drive capital investment decisions to ensure location and scaling of production lines to meet long-term customer requirements and upside potentialNegotiate and execute Master Purchase Agreements (MPA) Master Service Agreements (MSA), Manufacturing Service Agreements (MSA), MVAs, SOWs, pricing models, payment terms, flexibility terms, warranty, and service-level commitments.Develop structured negotiation strategies, including should-cost analysis, cost breakdown models, and scenario trade-offs.Partner with Legal to drive contract closure with the right safeguards (quality, delivery, workmanship, liability, termination, IP protection).Sourcing Strategy & Supplier Management Develop, drive cross-functional alignment, and execute sourcing and supply strategies to deliver company business objectivesOwn supplier selection, business awards, and ongoing commercial governance for supplier partnersLead cross-functional teams to assess supplier capabilities, footprint, cost structure, and performance to ensure alignment with product and volume roadmapsDevelop and implement supplier scorecards, KPI dashboards, and quarterly business reviewsDrive cost reduction programs through design-for-cost, value engineering, supply chain optimization, and competitive sourcingMonitor supplier financial health, capacity, material constraints, labor conditions, and cost driversNPI, NTI & Cross-Functional Leadership Partner with Hardware Engineering, Technical Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality to ensure seamless NPI executionLead commercial readiness for NPI builds, including NRE negotiation, material liability, tooling, capex, and change managementProvide early cost insights during designDrive trade-off decisions balancing cost, quality, performance, and scheduleOperational & Program Management Support teammates for any escalations related to assigned suppliersSupport escalation for yield, capacity, material shortages, and delivery issuesEnsure suppliers adhere to agreed upon pricing, quality standards, and operational KPIs.Lead structured review processes—weekly operations reviews, QBRs, and executive supplier meetingsFinancial & Cost Ownership Own cost models, cost reduction roadmaps, quarterly price reviewsBuild and maintain should-cost models for assigned components and suppliersPartner with Finance on budgeting, accruals, forecast alignment, and capital planningRequired Qualifications10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, sourcing, commercial management, or contract manufacturing.5+ years managing PCB and PCB material manufacturers, including direct engagement with Asia-based CMsDeep understanding of cost structures, low-loss PCB materials and manufacturing, value engineering, and cost optimizationExperience with data center, consumer electronics, high-volume hardware, or advanced electromechanical system manufacturingStrong background in NPI, NTI, factory bring-up, and early supplier engagementProven ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements (MPA, MSA, SOW, pricing frameworks, warranty, service terms)Strong program management skills — owning cross-functional actions, driving timelines, and influencing stakeholdersExperience building and managing supplier scorecards, performance metrics, and corrective action processesDemonstrated ability to lead cost reduction programs and develop robust should-cost analysesAbility to communicate clearly and influence at all levels—from engineers to executive leadershipComfortable operating in ambiguity, rapid-growth environments, and fast-paced hardware development cyclesStrong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, TPM, Quality, Operations, and FinancePreferred QualificationsExperience with networking hardware, AI infrastructure hardware, or cloud-scale electromechanical systems.Knowledge of PCB/PCBA manufacturing, mechanical tooling, liquid-cooling, and precision manufacturing processes.Exposure to supply chain risk management, dual sourcing, and global capacity strategy.MBA or advanced technical degree in engineering or supply chain a plus.Our company offers all the advantages of working at a startup, combined with the expertise of a seasoned team that has successfully built startups into thriving companies. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from top-tier engineers, while working on mission-critical projects. If you're excited to learn, solve hard problems at the forefront of computer systems, and help shape a fast-growing company, this is the place for you.