Join us in shaping the future of robotics and AI by building the supply chains that power breakthrough innovation. As a Strategic Sourcing & Commodities Manager, you'll own end-to-end sourcing strategy and supplier relationships across our full spectrum of needs, from specialized robotics components to commodity parts, software, data, and advanced lab equipment. You'll drive a unified, high-performing supply chain team that enables our rapidly scaling organization while solving complex procurement challenges at the intersection of innovative technology and operational excellence. Key job responsibilities • Lead comprehensive, end-to-end sourcing strategies for our advanced robotic product portfolios, spanning contract manufacturers, specialized components, commodity parts, and general lab equipment acquisitions • Distill ambiguous requirements and future plans into an actionable supply chain strategy while exhibiting strong judgement and leadership • Identify, negotiate, execute and structure partnerships with robot contract manufacturers; serve as the ongoing relationship owner and bridge requirements and design changes between our engineering teams and manufacturing partners • Source and negotiate favorable terms for off-the-shelf robots and manage follow-up parts orders, maintenance, and support contracts for robot fleets • Source specialized and commodity components critical to our efforts, such as actuators, perception modules, cameras, GPUs, wiring, other specialized robotics components, and lab equipment • Plan material supply requirements, manage inventory levels, and maintain schedules while proactively identifying supply chain risks and developing mitigation strategies • Implement, update, and train others on using an inventory management / ERP system • Actively identify process improvements, cost analysis, and automation opportunities; manage and mentor a small team including sourcing managers, buyers, and inventory, shipping and receiving staff A day in the life Your focus centers on managing the complete sourcing lifecycle for the Frontier AI & Robotics team. You might spend your morning negotiating contract terms with a robot manufacturer while simultaneously coordinating with our engineering teams to translate technical specifications into procurement strategies. In the afternoon, you could be evaluating specialized component suppliers for perception modules, then reviewing inventory levels and supply chain risks to identify potential bottlenecks before they impact our development timeline. Beyond routine procurement, you'll collaborate across AI research, mechanical, electrical, controls engineering, operations, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless product launches. You'll mentor sourcers, buyers, shipping and receiving, and inventory staff, and actively seek opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and automate workflows. Your work directly enables our teams to access the specialized robotics components, off-the-shelf robots, and lab infrastructure they need to push the boundaries of what's possible in embodied AI. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - 7+ years of developing, negotiating and executing business agreements experience - Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related technical field - 7+ years of experience in technical or commercial sourcing in high-volume manufacturing environments, with demonstrated breadth across strategic sourcing, specialized components, contract manufacturing, and commodity procurement - 1+ years of experience managing a team, hiring, and determining appropriate team structure - Strong communication skills to liaise with partners, stakeholders, and leadership both internally and externally. Able to clearly articulate requirements, trade-offs, and recommendations - Understanding of robotics hardware, electronics, and specialized technical components, including actuators, sensors, and electro-mechanical assemblies - Experience managing procurement processes end-to-end: vendor search, negotiation, purchase order filing, order tracking, receiving, and delivery PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Master's degree in a technical discipline or MBA - Experience in robotics, AI research, semiconductors, or similar high-technology industries - Strong negotiation and analytical skills with experience negotiating high-value, complex technical purchases - Global supply chain management expertise with international suppliers - Experience working in progressive, high-growth, high-change environments including research labs or startups - Experience "selling" sourcing partners, including projecting revenue opportunity and leading customer interactions across multiple management levels - Mandarin language proficiency The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits. USA, CA, San Francisco - 193,700.00 - 262,000.00 USD annually