Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Quality

Neros Technologies•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Neros is seeking a Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Quality to build and lead the integrated sourcing and supplier quality function for our growing supply base. This role will own category strategy, supplier relationships, supplier qualification, supplier quality performance, and cross-functional alignment from supplier selection through delivery. The ideal candidate combines strategic sourcing expertise with hands-on supplier quality leadership and can help Neros scale production while reducing supplier-driven risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related technical field
10+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supplier quality, supply chain, manufacturing operations, or a related function
Demonstrated experience leading supplier management, strategic sourcing, contract management, negotiations, and category strategy development
Hands-on experience with supplier qualification, supplier audits, corrective actions, root-cause analysis, supplier scorecards, and quality KPI ownership
Experience building or leading supplier quality engineering teams, including mentoring senior individual contributors and driving accountability across suppliers
Strong understanding of manufactured components, assemblies, inspection protocols, acceptance criteria, and supplier performance management
Proven ability to partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and procurement/GSM teams in a fast-paced production environment
Experience driving supply continuity, dual-sourcing, cost reduction, quality improvement, and risk mitigation across a complex supplier base
Strong analytical, communication, and executive-facing business review skills
Ability to operate with urgency, handle ambiguity, and make practical tradeoffs across cost, schedule, quality, and risk

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, drones, electronics, automotive, hardware, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments
Experience working with PCBA, mechanical, electromechanical, RF, airframe, propulsion, or ground systems suppliers
Experience scaling supplier quality and sourcing processes in a startup or high-growth manufacturing company
Familiarity with ASL processes, first article inspection, APQP/PPAP-style methods, ISO/AS9100 environments, or lean/six sigma practices
Prior experience managing international suppliers, including APAC-based supplier quality or sourcing activities

Responsibilities

Lead category strategy development, identify emerging supplier risks and opportunities, and shape long-term supply plans across critical categories.
Build and manage high-performing supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, compliance, cost, and strategic alignment with Neros’ business goals.
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of supplier quality engineers responsible for supplier qualification, audits, corrective actions, acceptance criteria, and supplier performance.
Own supplier scorecards, business reviews, quality KPIs, corrective action cycle times, supplier audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, regional supply chain teams, and GSMs across Air, Ground, and EE categories.
Champion risk mitigation through proactive planning, dual-sourcing, supply continuity planning, and effective commercial negotiations.