Job Description
The Sourcing Manager III leads strategic sourcing and vendor management for data center equipment, with a strong focus on robotics and automation technologies. This role combines complex commercial negotiations, advanced supply chain management, and deep technology insight to secure cost-effective, reliable, and innovative solutions for large-scale data center operations. You will shape vendor strategy, drive cost and risk transparency, and collaborate broadly across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure supply assurance and strong commercial outcomes.
ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive vendor strategy for data center equipment, with emphasis on robotics and automation technologies.Build, nurture, and manage strategic vendor relationships through effective relationship management, including the implementation of performance metrics and supplier scorecards.Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers to assess performance, drive collaboration, and ensure alignment with commercial and technical requirements.Maintain current knowledge of technology and industry trends in data center equipment, robotics, and automation, and perform market analysis to inform sourcing decisions.Lead supplier proposal processes, including RFIs and RFQs, and drive data-based award decisions that balance cost, risk, quality, and technology roadmaps.Develop and execute negotiation strategies, including acceptable terms and conditions, and lead negotiation teams through to contract closure.Negotiate complex contracts such as Master Purchase Agreements, Master Service Agreements, and Statements of Work, demonstrating strong control of key commercial and legal terms.Own market and actual cost data for data center equipment and develop should-cost models to support cost transparency, benchmarking, and negotiation leverage.Resolve commercial and technical queries arising from the quote and negotiation process in partnership with engineering, quality, and operations stakeholders.Ensure key business and supply chain metrics are achieved across the end-to-end lifecycle, from manufacturing through to data center operation.Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Engineering and Design, Global Site Sourcing, Data Center Facility Operations, Data Center Construction, and Connectivity to align sourcing strategies with technical and operational needs.Define, track, and drive core business metrics and risk indicators for continuous improvement in supplier performance and supply chain resilience.Provide metrics and insights for quarterly business reviews to assess supply chain health, supplier performance, and forward-looking risk.Drive critical operations related to assurance of supply and capacity by partnering closely with the Demand/Supply team to support accurate forecasting, materials management, qualification, reliability, and allocation decisions.Use SAP, Oracle, and other enterprise systems to manage sourcing, materials, and supplier data and to integrate supply chain processes with robotics and automation solutions.Leverage SQL and BI tools to build and maintain supplier scorecards, including metrics such as quality, on-time-in-full delivery, lead times, defect rates, downtime impact, and cost.Support and, where relevant, lead negotiations for robotics and AI software licensing models, including per-robot, per-site, usage-based, and support/maintenance terms.Define and refine contract and supplier requirements for AI-enabled systems, including model performance metrics, testing and validation expectations, telemetry, rollback, and incident response requirements.Guide cross-functional teams with data-driven insights and analytics to improve supply chain performance and deliver measurable results.Essential SkillsMinimum of 5 years of Sourcing Management or Supply Chain Management experience in commercial sourcing roles.Proven experience in strategic sourcing and complex negotiations, including RFIs, RFQs, award decisions, and closure of MPAs, MSAs, and SOWs with strong control over terms and conditions.Demonstrated ability to develop and use supplier performance metrics and scorecards, including quarterly business review metrics, should-cost models, and cost and risk reporting.Proficiency in robotics and automation technologies and a strong understanding of how supply chain processes integrate with robotics and automation systems.Experience improving supply chain and supplier performance using cost models and objective performance measures, particularly within semiconductor or memory commodities.Extensive experience in contracts and contract negotiations, including contract strategy development and execution with a focus on agreement closure.At least 5 years of material or production planning experience.At least 5 years of experience working with broad enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, and custom applications.At least 5 years of working knowledge of SQL and/or BI tools (such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker) to build and maintain detailed supplier scorecards.Ability to analyze complex data, perform market and cost analysis, and translate insights into negotiation strategies and supplier improvement plans.Demonstrated ability to guide cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver results through strong communication, influence, and collaboration skills.Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Analytics, Robotics and Automation, or a related field.2 years of experience negotiating software licensing models for robotics and AI solutions, including per-robot, per-site, usage-based, and support/maintenance terms.2 years of experience defining contract and supplier requirements for AI systems, including model performance metrics and test/validation requirements.Additional Skills & QualificationsAdvanced depth in supply chain operations, including forecasting, supplier qualification, allocation management, materials management, reliability, and quality assurance.Robotics and AI commercial expertise, including understanding of software licensing models and AI supplier requirements such as telemetry, validation, rollback, and incident response.Preferred MS or MBA degree, particularly with a focus on supply chain, operations, engineering, or related disciplines.Specific experience in automation and robotics within warehouse or logistics environments.Strong understanding of complex, global supply chain operations and processes supporting large-scale data center or high-technology environments.Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-impact role with accountability for vendor strategy, cost optimization, and supply assurance for critical data center equipment.Comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders across engineering, operations, finance, and legal to align sourcing strategies with technical and business objectives.Work Environment
This role follows a hybrid schedule with three days per week in the office in Fremont, CA. You will work in a modern, technology-driven environment closely connected to data center, robotics, and automation initiatives. The position is highly collaborative, involving frequent interaction with engineering, construction, operations, quality, and sourcing teams. Work is primarily office-based, using enterprise systems such as SAP and Oracle, as well as analytics and BI tools like SQL, Tableau, Power BI, or Looker. The environment emphasizes data-driven decision-making, structured business reviews, and continuous improvement in supply chain performance and supplier relationships.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Fremont, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term disability\n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a hybrid position in Fremont,CA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 2, 2026.
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\n\nAbout Aston Carter:\n
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
\n\nThe company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
\nIf you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
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