Strategic Sourcing Manager

About Powerus

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus buys electronics, motors, batteries, structures, and sensors in markets where many established sources are foreign. Defense customers require NDAA-compliant and, increasingly, domestic supply for these commodities.

This role sets sourcing strategy for assigned commodities: which suppliers Powerus uses, on what terms, and with what second source. Day-to-day purchasing remains with the procurement team.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies, covering supplier selection, negotiation, long-term agreements, cost, and supply risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies for assigned commodities, including supplier base and cost targets
• Run requests for quotation and supplier selection
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements
• Identify and qualify domestic and NDAA-compliant sources
• Assess and mitigate supply risk, including single-source and long-lead components
• Track supplier cost, delivery, and quality performance
• Support engineering with component selection and cost estimates
• Maintain sourcing documentation for audits and customer compliance

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience in strategic sourcing or procurement for manufactured products
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements
• Experience with should-cost or total-cost-of-ownership analysis
• Proficiency with ERP systems and spreadsheets
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing electronic components, batteries, or motors
• Working knowledge of NDAA Section 848 and Buy American requirements
• Experience with FAR and DFARS flow-downs
• Experience in aerospace or defense

What We Look For

Candidates should be able to describe a commodity for which they built a compliant supplier base from limited options, and quantify the cost and risk outcome.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.