Introduction

The ODM/JDM Sourcing Manager will be responsible for identifying, negotiating, and managing relationships with ODM/JDM partners to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality products. This role will be responsible for ensuring that the suppliers will collaborate with the iRobot groups of Engineering, Advanced Development and Business Unit to design and develop new projects to meet iRobot’s costs, volume, and quality requirements. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and an in-depth understanding of the ODM landscape.

In this role you will manage a portfolio of ODM/JDM projects to deliver financial benefit from strategic initiatives in supply chain and new product introduction. You will work closely with Engineering and R&D team to develop new sources and negotiate necessary contracts to establish the business relationship. This position will create and implement ODM/JDM category strategy to drive commercial leverage, achieve lowest total costs, continuously improve quality, delivery, and ensure supplier involvement in product development.

This is an exciting, dynamic role in which you will work across all the departments in iRobot and be looked to as an expert to identify and develop new suppliers and establish strategic relationships for a wide variety of needs, both technical and commercial.

An ideal candidate will have a technical degree, such as engineering, and experience in supplier identification, validation and negotiation. Strong business acumen is a must as you will be looked to choose the right supplier for iRobot and put in place contracts that will protect iRobot’s interests. Ideal candidate will possess the ability to think strategically and operate independently and be a strong negotiator. He/she will be able to inspire trust.

What You Will Do (included but not limited):

Identifying and developing new ODM/JDM partners to enhance and cultivate a competitive supply base to support the company business needs.Lead the initiation and development of ODM projects for new product categories.Executing the sourcing agreements for innovation projects and with new ODM/JDM partners.Acting as a leader to support to R&D team and Engineering for all new product development.Supporting New Product Introduction for iRobot, including the RFI, RFQ and contracting process.Driving process improvement and engagement with new and established contract manufacturers, R&D, Operations.Lead the negotiation of contracts and business agreements with suppliers in region.Identify and leverage opportunities and directly negotiate programs to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership across category and product line.Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers. Maintain and grow relationships with iRobot’s critical supply base.Prepare, distribute, and analyse responses to Request for Information, Proposal, Quote (RFI, RFP, RFQ), and Statements of Work (SOW), and service agreements.Constantly seek and identify opportunities for value creation (cost savings, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement) and risk reduction.Conducts market research, evaluation and selection of new and current technologies.Ability to manage high-value, high-complexity SOWs, RFx’s, and contracts.Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

To Be Successful You Will Have:

Measurable accomplishments and experience in a strategic sourcing role to include contract negotiations, cost reductions, supplier selection, and supplier management. Extensive ODM/JDM sourcing and project management experience with an international company is preferred.Extensive international procurement experience preferred / domestic and international sourcing.Extensive experience in working with US based engineering and operations team preferred.Possess vision of entire business need and have commitment to meet short-term requirements while working to long-term objectives.Strong verbal and written communications skills with the ability to translate technical decisions/strategies into business terms and implications.  Produces clear documentation geared to all audiences.Strong business and legal acumen, especially in China and Hong Kong – seasoned professional required, capable of performing with minimum supervision.Positive and energetic team player with strong cross-functional team experience.Strong analytical problem-solving aptitude.Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, finance, operations, or related field with 10-15 years of Sourcing and Procurement experience. Preferred to possess contractual knowledge and experience.Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.Must be willing to travel internationally and domestically about 25% of the time.Fluent in English.