Staff Commodity Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Staff Commodity Manager, Strategic Sourcing, to develop and execute strategic sourcing roadmaps for critical commodities spanning life sciences mechanical assemblies, electronics, and specialized materials. This role combines deep commodity expertise with strategic execution across the full product lifecycle—from development through commercialization. You will lead supplier selection, qualification, and development initiatives; conduct advanced cost modeling and COGS optimization; manage complex supplier relationships and negotiations; and ensure supply continuity while driving quality and innovation. This individual will collaborate closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Manufacturing to align sourcing strategies with technical and business objectives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year strategic sourcing roadmaps for assigned commodity families, defining sourcing strategies that align with product development timelines, technology roadmaps, and COGS targets
• Define and implement sourcing governance frameworks for New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining programs, ensuring clear decision rights, stakeholder alignment, and risk management processes
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding activities for direct materials, contract manufacturing partners, and technical services across the product lifecycle
• Influence design-for-cost (DFC) and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) early in the R&D cycle; collaborate with Engineering and R&D to drive make-vs-buy decisions and multi-sourcing strategies
• Evaluate suppliers for technical capability, manufacturability, cost efficiency, and readiness across NPI phases; act as primary technical liaison between internal stakeholders and supplier engineering teams
• Conduct detailed cost breakdowns and total-landed-cost (TLC) modeling using should-cost analysis; drive COGS optimization and cost avoidance initiatives across commodity families
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards; lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and corrective action planning; track and report on sourcing KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, supply chain resilience) to leadership
• Strengthen supply chain resilience and continuity by qualifying alternate sources, implementing diversification strategies, and managing geopolitical and tariff-related risks
• Lead contract negotiations on pricing, payment terms, risk-sharing, flexibility clauses, and supply continuity commitments; draft sourcing governance documents
• Interpret and leverage technical documentation including engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to ensure supplier understanding of requirements, manufacturability, and cost accuracy
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure supplier compliance with industry standards (ISO 13485, RoHS, REACH, GMP); support supplier quality audits and certification processes
• Represent Strategic Sourcing in cross-functional forums including product roadmap syncs, design reviews, operations planning, and business reviews with executive leadership
• Maintain accurate sourcing documentation, Bill of Materials (BOM) alignment, supplier records, and master data to ensure data integrity and compliance
• Deliver clear, data-driven presentations and updates to stakeholders on sourcing strategy, supplier performance, cost initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement engineering, supplier quality, or associated supply chain roles, with experience in regulated industries
• Demonstrated expertise in commodity management and strategic sourcing across diverse materials and components (mechanical high complexity assemblies, electronics, hardware)
• Extensive experience negotiating complex commercial contracts, managing technical supplier relationships, and driving supplier performance improvements
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and design documentation across mechanical and electrical systems preferred
• Deep expertise in cost modeling, should-cost analysis, total-landed-cost (TLC) calculation, and COGS management across product lifecycles
• Proven ability to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier development programs, and supply chain transformation projects
• Proficiency with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and advanced analytical tools (Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, data visualization platforms)
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership on sourcing strategy, technical decisions, and risk management
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with ability to challenge assumptions and provide objective, data-driven recommendations
• Self-directed, analytically rigorous problem-solver with high initiative and proactivity in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence

Physical Requirements

• Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds

Location

San Diego, CA (onsite daily)

Travel

Domestic travel up to 10% – supplier visits

Pay

Base Compensation: $119,000 – $156,000

Benefits

• Stock options
• Discretionary annual bonus
• No-cost health insurance plans
• 401k with company match
• Flexible paid time off