Strategic Sourcing Manager

Observable Space•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager to anchor our Los Angeles operations, where our CTO and space optics and software teams are based. Our Strategic Sourcing Director is based at our manufacturing campus in Adrian, MI, making this role the primary sourcing presence at our LA facility — close to the engineers defining requirements, building supplier relationships that support LA-based programs, and partnering closely with the broader sourcing team on company-wide strategy. This is a hands-on role with real strategic scope. You will own day-to-day purchasing for the LA site while driving category strategy, supplier development, and cost optimization.

Requirements

5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, with a mix of strategic sourcing and hands-on tactical buying
Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships
Familiarity with optical systems, precision hardware, electromechanical components, or aerospace/defense supply chains strongly preferred
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, or similar) and procurement tools
Comfortable working with data: spend analysis, supplier scorecards, and cost modeling
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred
CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent certification is a plus
You move fluidly between strategic work and execution — equally at home in a supplier negotiation and chasing down a late PO
Highly organized and effective in a fast-paced environment where production schedules have real consequences
You communicate clearly and build trust quickly — with suppliers, engineers, and leadership alike
Proactive by nature: you anticipate supply problems before they become crises
Analytically driven, but you know when to act on judgment and experience

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies for precision optics, electromechanical components, and related hardware in close collaboration with the Strategic Sourcing Director
Lead competitive RFQ/RFP processes, evaluating suppliers across quality, cost, lead time, and supply risk
Support make-vs-buy analyses and bring data-driven recommendations to sourcing and engineering decisions
Identify opportunities to consolidate the supplier base, reduce total cost of ownership, and improve supply chain resilience
Monitor supply market conditions and proactively surface risks and opportunities to leadership
Build and own relationships with key suppliers serving the LA site
Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual conditions for standard and non-standard purchases
Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive corrective actions where needed
Onboard new suppliers in coordination with quality and engineering teams
Own the full purchase order lifecycle for LA — from requisition through receipt and invoice reconciliation
Ensure all spend follows corporate approval processes and procurement policies
Manage open orders, expedite critical deliveries, and resolve supplier issues to keep programs on schedule
Coordinate closely with the Logistics team to optimize inbound freight and delivery planning
Maintain accurate records and spend data in ERP/procurement systems
Support inventory management activities including safety stock planning and excess/obsolete material disposition
Serve as the primary purchasing point of contact for LA-based engineering, software, manufacturing, and operations teams
Align local purchasing activity with company-wide sourcing strategy in partnership with the Adrian-based sourcing team
Engage early in new product introduction processes to support supplier identification and component qualification
Contribute to continuous improvement across the procurement function