Sr Sourcing Manager - R&D

Overview

Nextpower is seeking a Sr Sourcing Manager, R&D (Hybrid - Fremont, CA 4x a week onsite), responsible for managing and implementing world-class supply chain strategies to provide Nextpower and our customers with a strategic market advantage. This role will develop, and drive supply chain strategies aligned with company policies and global procurement strategies.

• Lead the global sourcing strategy, including new supplier selection, development, cost management, contract management, supplier relationship management, and supplier escalations for all Power Electronics components in Nextpower's product offerings.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to understand requirements and drive global, value-based, long-term sourcing strategies supporting business growth.
• Stay informed on global trends and technology roadmaps, partnering with design, operations, and sales teams to address supply and demand challenges.
• Lead contract negotiations, including global business agreements, pricing agreements, warranties, service agreements, and other related contracts.
• Collaborate with technical stakeholders internally and externally to control costs during design reviews, change control meetings, and Design of Manufacture (DoM) reviews.
• Develop strategic plans and policies to build strong supplier relationships, ensuring optimal supply and profitability enhancement.
• Drive strategic procurement initiatives across all production sites to maximize cost reductions.
• Support material sourcing activities for new programs and New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts, including providing forward price projections.
• Partner proactively with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Installation Project Management, and other groups within Nextpower.
• Manage cost roadmaps, capacity planning, and allocation strategies.
• Maintain supplier performance metrics and organize Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with suppliers.
• Ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards of integrity and professionalism in procurement processes, in line with corporate requirements.

• Minimum of 10-15 years of strategic sourcing experience in electronics, in inverters, as well as Power Electronics components and products such as DC-DC & AC-DC converters, transformers, PV optimizers, MV switchgears, energy storage, and other high-voltage applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience; a Master’s degree is desirable.
• Ability to understand technical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, and Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs), with basic knowledge of manufacturing process controls and quality assurance for typical PV plant components.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Independent, self-driven, and passionate about driving results through strategic interventions and operations.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, capable of building effective relationships and influencing peers and key stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan tasks, assign resources, manage progress, remove barriers, manage change, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and motivate team members across multiple projects.
• Enjoys working in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience and training, with a minimum of 8 years of management experience; a Master’s or MBA degree is preferred.
• Experience in the EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) industry is a must.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex sourcing, negotiating, and supply chain strategies.
• Willingness to travel (30%) within the US and internationally.

Nextpower is driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform. We enable faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability for utility-scale power plants. Our teams are re-defining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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