Manufacturing Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager

Company Description American Lithium Energy (ALE) is a clean energy leader specializing in advanced lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and grid storage solutions. The company delivers high-performance batteries with exceptional energy density and long lifespans, supporting efficient and reliable energy storage across diverse applications. ALE is strongly committed to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and ethical manufacturing practices that minimize environmental impact. The organization collaborates with industry partners, research institutions, and customers to drive innovation in energy storage and accelerate the transition to low-carbon technologies. ALE’s success is built on a team of experienced professionals dedicated to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Role Description The Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Manager is a full-time, on-site position based in Vista, CA. This role is responsible for defining and executing ALE’s global strategic sourcing and procurement strategy to support lithium-ion battery manufacturing and advanced industrial production. This role focuses on supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, cost leadership, risk mitigation, and supplier performance management to ensure supply continuity, quality, and long-term competitiveness. This position does not own material planning, inventory management, or master scheduling, which are managed by a separate supply chain function Day-to-day tasks include evaluating and selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts and pricing, monitoring supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and sustainability standards. The manager will analyze spend data, identify cost-saving opportunities, mitigate supply chain risks, and align procurement plans with production, engineering, and sustainability objectives. The role works closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, finance, and R&D, to support product innovation and reliable, efficient supply.

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.

Export-control Requirements

This position may require access to export-controlled technical data, hardware, or systems. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable export-control laws or otherwise be eligible to obtain any authorization required for the position.

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%).

Equal Employment Opportunity

American Lithium Energy Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Salary range: $110k - $140K/year

We offer competitive pay based on each candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, and location. The listed amount reflects base pay only and does not include bonuses, equity, or benefits.