Senior Indirect and Capex Procurement Manager

Rivian and VW Group Technology • Palo Alto, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Procurement team of Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech) is looking for a highly motivated, independent, and exceptional Indirect and Capex Procurement Manager.
In this role, the Manager will be responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and management of a broad range of indirect goods and services, including but not limited to Corporate Services, IT (Software/Hardware), Logistics, and Professional Services.
Furthermore, this role is critical for enabling our core business as a software development company, focusing on capital expenditure related to our global infrastructure, and R&D tooling essential for future product development. In this context, the Manager will be responsible for end-to-end management of the Capex lifecycle, from strategic planning and supplier identification to rigorous contractual negotiations and ongoing global supplier relationship management.
You will oversee all commercial aspects of new business awards and renewals, present to Senior Leadership, negotiate agreements, and foster strong supplier and internal relationships. You will conduct spend analysis and collaborate closely with stakeholders to regularly evaluate supplier performance and ensure solutions continue to meet business needs. Additionally, you will ensure the company meets its cost targets while suppliers adhere to aggressive timelines. In our team, we expect our people to own every aspect of the sourcing process from start to finish and everything in between. This position requires owning every aspect of the sourcing process from start to finish.
Located in our Palo Alto, California office, this position offers a standard hybrid schedule with the expectation of being in the office three days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (MBA in Supply Chain Management preferred)
• 5+ years of relevant experience performing strategic sourcing, cost analysis, negotiations, and contract negotiations in an indirect/capex procurement environment.
• Strong understanding of the technology and supplier landscape in industrialization
• Analytical skills, technical literacy, and attention to detail required to solve complex cross-functional issues
• Previous ERP (SAP/Coupa) systems and purchase order processing experience
• Previous Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system experience – Ironclad preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills required to cultivate ethical, productive vendor partnerships, supported by sound judgment and strategic foresight in negotiation and conflict resolution
• Self-starter able to operate with minimal instruction and thrive in an environment characterized by ambiguity and rapid change.
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills with a proven ability to manage multiple, detailed projects simultaneously while consistently meeting strict deadlines.
• Action-oriented and solution-driven team player experienced in managing global projects and collaborating effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams. Flexibility to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate subject matter expertise sourcing and managing various indirect sub-categories (e.g., IT, Professional Services, Logistics, Corporate Services).
• Develop and execute strong sourcing strategies across assigned indirect categories.
• Facilitate the strategic sourcing process and end-to-end Sourcing-to-Pay-Process independently, including prospective supplier identification, RFx execution, capability assessment, comprehensive bid analysis, contract negotiation, and execution
• Demonstrate expertise in negotiating complex commercial agreements, securing favorable terms and conditions with minimal support from the legal team
• Work closely alongside stakeholders to meet their technical and business requirements, execute against set milestones, and track sourcing progress
• Perform detailed analysis of quotations based on cost breakdowns from supplier submissions to achieve cost savings
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, monitoring performance and addressing issues to ensure compliance with quality and performance standards
• Proven experience in leading sourcing projects, developing and implementing sourcing strategies, managing RFx processes, and presenting recommendations, including award nominations and sourcing strategies, to senior leadership for approval
• Managing high-value development infrastructure equipment (e.g. HIL, HOL, general working infrastructure, etc.), supplier development and strategic relationships
• Build and maintain a unique understanding of the supply base, market conditions, and technology roadmaps relevant to capital expenditure
• Lead strategic sourcing events, supplier interfacing, as well as dispute resolutions of complex project issues
• Support in timely and efficient Capex design, execution, and life cycle sustaining of equipment, high-performance computing, and specialized tooling projects with engineering partners and key cross-functional teams
• Drive cost and commercial value negotiations with detailed data and specific content-based analysis
• Monitor Capex spend forecast (totals and timing) and risk with the Finance team, including internal guidance to improve
• Work closely alongside Program Management to support program requirements, ensure adherence to build performance milestones, and track progress
• Create should-cost models to build program budgets with cross-functional teams
• Drive commercial and business decisions with leadership, including establishing technology investment roadmaps
• Expand and support planning of RV Tech’s global CapEx supplier footprint

Benefits

• Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
• Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment.
• Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.
• Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.
• Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees