Strategic Sourcing Manager - Contract Manufacturing & Compute
About this role
Managing multi-year sourcing strategies for Tier 1 contract manufacturers, leading commercial negotiations, and driving complex supply agreements form the core of daily operations in this position. The supply chain and manufacturing group handles production processes and supplier development strategies, partnering closely with engineering teams and external partners to deliver hardware on time. Professionals in this role establish open-book should-cost models, oversee integrated sub-tier commodities, and act as the single commercial focal point between compute hardware engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Waymo builds autonomous driving technology to improve mobility and safety, relying on robust supply chains to scale production. Candidates who thrive in this environment bring extensive strategic sourcing experience within hardware ecosystems and possess a strong background in manufacturing cost dissection and complex contract negotiations.
What you will do
- Design and execute multi-year sourcing strategies for Tier 1 contract manufacturers supporting complex compute hardware and custom server platforms.
- Drive all commercial aspects of contract manufacturer engagements including line rates, labor, cycle times, and test costs.
- Partner with legal counsel to draft, negotiate, and execute manufacturing and supply agreements that secure favorable terms.
- Manage commercial relationships and pricing for key compute commodities like connectors and off-the-shelf active silicon.
- Build bottoms-up should-cost models for PCBA and box-build assemblies while leading continuous cost-reduction programs.
- Act as the primary commercial focal point between compute hardware engineering, advanced manufacturing engineering, and quality teams.
What you need
- Ten or more years of strategic sourcing, global supply management, or commodity management experience with Tier 1 contract manufacturers and complex compute systems.
- Deep expertise in manufacturing cost dissection including surface mount technology line costing, test overhead, and tooling amortization.
- Demonstrated track record of negotiating and executing master manufacturing agreements, statements of work, and liability terms.
- Hands-on sourcing experience with electronic sub-tier commodities such as connectors, cabling, passives, or active silicon.
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, supply chain, operations, or equivalent practical experience.
- Exceptional commercial negotiation, executive presentation, and spreadsheet financial modeling skills.
Nice to have
- Prior work experience as a contract manufacturer or compute global supply manager at leading hardware or original equipment manufacturing firms.
- Deep technical understanding of high-speed digital compute architectures, server PCBA manufacturing, and automotive reliability standards.
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering and/or a Master of Business Administration.
- Direct experience managing contract manufacturer manufacturing sites and executive supplier engagements across North America, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus program
- Equity incentive plan
- Company benefits program
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the expected compensation for this role?
The expected base salary range for this full-time position is $200,000 to $247,000 USD. Actual starting pay is based on job-related factors including work location, experience, relevant training, education, and skill level.
What additional financial incentives are available?
Employees are eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Does this position require travel?
Yes, the role involves 20% domestic and international travel.