Lead Global Supply Manager, Battery Cell Materials and Rare Earths

Rivian•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary We are seeking an ambitious, self-directed, fast learner for the role Supply Chain Manager supporting the end-to-end management of critical raw materials sourcing (e.g. Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Copper, Aluminum, Rare Earths), battery components (e.g. Cathode, Precursor, Separator, Electrolyte), and recycled materials vital for our battery and drive unit inputs. This role demands operational expertise and the ability to problem-solve supply chain issues navigating complex/opaque markets, geopolitical risks, technical challenges, contract obligations and policy landscapes to ensure cost-effect supply security. This position is based onsite in Irvine, California and reports to the Director of Global Supply Management, Cell Materials.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Material Science, Economics, Engineering or related field
Minimum 7+ years in an operational capacity within strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain roles within complex global industries.
Essential operational or commercial experience in one or more relevant sectors: Mining/Metals, Commodity Trading, Battery Manufacturing, EV Industry, Chemical Processing, or Metals/Materials Recycling.
Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to facilitate productive conversations and gain buy-in with a clear vision.
Proven ability to resolve complex problems involving multiple variables and stakeholders; implements comprehensive risk mitigation.
Acts instinctively to manage and prioritize complex workloads with little manager input; serves as a cross-functional advisor.

Responsibilities

Operational Planning & Readiness: Working closely with downstream cell and magnet procurement and engineering counterparts and suppliers, develop and manage forecasts for each segment of the supply chain to ensure operational readiness and material availability. Analyze and manage critical lead times for materials, logistics, quality assurance (QA) processes, and customs clearance across diverse international jurisdictions.
Price Analysis & Cost modelling: Build and maintain cost models, indexation views, should-cost analyses, tariff assessments, and scenario analyses to support sourcing recommendations and negotiations.
Market Intelligence & Policy Monitoring: Analyze global market dynamics, track relevant policy/regulatory changes (tariffs, export controls, sourcing mandates, customs regulations), and assess their impact on supply strategies and operations.
Contract Negotiation & Management: Support development of direct sourcing strategies, and negotiation of long term supply agreements ensuring favorable commercial and operational terms that mitigate against a broad range of risks.
Risk Management & Responsible Sourcing: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks including geopolitical instability, price volatility, logistical disruptions, policy/tariff changes, and ESG concerns (human rights, environmental impact). Implement due diligence and traceability processes.