Strategic Cost Optimization Manager (Bilingual - Chinese)

Job Duties

• Develop and drive a multi-year global cost optimization roadmap aligned with corporate profitability and margin improvement objectives
• Lead cross-functional cost reduction initiatives across materials, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and operational expenditures
• Cook up cost reduction activities across manufacturing and sourcing teams in the United States, China, and Taiwan
• Establish annual, quarterly, and monthly cost reduction targets and monitor progress against commitments
• Prepare executive-level dashboards, KPI reporting, and management reviews on cost reduction performance
• Quantify and validate realized savings in partnership with Finance
• Perform detailed cost modeling, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through value engineering, design-to-cost, process optimization, and supplier collaboration
• Analyze product cost structures including optical transceivers, PCBA, wafers, semiconductors, mechanical assemblies, and telecom hardware
• Evaluate cost impacts associated with product design changes, manufacturing processes, yield improvements, and material substitutions
• Support make-versus-buy analyses and manufacturing footprint optimization initiatives
• Develop business cases and ROI assessments for cost reduction projects
• Partner with sourcing and supplier management teams to identify and execute supplier-driven cost reduction opportunities
• Lead commercial discussions related to cost improvement programs, productivity initiatives, and long-term pricing strategies
• Review supplier cost structures and validate cost reduction proposals
• Collaborate with suppliers on value engineering, process improvements, localization, and capacity optimization opportunities
• Monitor commodity trends, supplier capacity, market conditions, and cost drivers impacting material spend
• Support supplier negotiations related to annual productivity and cost reduction commitments
• Serve as the central coordinator for cost reduction activities across global manufacturing sites
• Align cost reduction priorities among Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance organizations
• Drive implementation of best practices and cost optimization initiatives across multiple locations
• Support manufacturing transfer, localization, automation, and productivity improvement programs
• Facilitate executive reviews and cross-functional governance meetings to ensure timely execution of cost reduction actions
• Evaluate geopolitical, tariff, trade compliance, logistics, and supply chain risks impacting product cost structures
• Assess cost implications of supplier transitions, manufacturing footprint changes, and sourcing strategies
• Support tariff mitigation, localization, and supply chain resiliency initiatives
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to executive leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in supplier cost control, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or procurement in manufacturing or high-tech industry
• Proven experience supporting NPI programs and supplier qualification activities
• Experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional sourcing initiatives
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Must be bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)
• Experience working with Asia-based suppliers (China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 60%)