Fremont, CA, US Director of Procurement

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant.  Located in California’s Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume.  The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems.  In addition, this location offers in-house painting capabilities and flexible logistics solutions in distribution, inventory management and hubbing, as well as repair services.

Job Purpose

The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading the execution of  the operational procurement strategy across the division’s manufacturing and service sites. This role owns supplier relationship management, material cost-out initiatives (PPV), and supplier contract negotiations to maximize profitability and operational continuity.

The ideal candidate will effectively bridge the gap between sourcing strategy framework designed & set by the Corporate/TCG enterprise level Global Sourcing team and localized manufacturing site execution, ensuring that component availability meets production timelines at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while proactively mitigating component,outsourced services & sub-assembly level supply-chain risks.

Nature of Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Purchasing & Cost Optimization

• Purchasing Strategy: Establish and execute a comprehensive divisional purchasing strategy that aligns with Corporate/TCG enterprise level Global Sourcing guidelines to drive cost optimization and supply resilience.

• Material Cost Reduction (PPV): Drive aggressive cost-reduction programs, identifying opportunities for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) gains, material substitutions, and volume bundling.

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Evaluate and negotiate local supplier contracts, including payment terms, lead times, buffer stocks, and pricing models to improve cash flow and reduce working capital.

Supplier Relationship & Risk Management

• Supplier Governance: Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and scorecards for key vendors, tracking delivery performance, component quality, and continuous improvement metrics.

• Supply Continuity & Risk Mitigation: Collaborate & work closely with Corporate/TCG enterprise level Global Sourcing team on monitoring global metals and component market conditions, technology allocations, and lead-time trends. Formulate proactive risk- mitigation plans for single-source or critical components.

• Supply Chain Agility: In collaboration with Corporate/TCG enterprise level Global Sourcing team, implement and manage advanced inventory programs such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), consignment, and hubbing structures.

Operational Purchasing & Execution

• MRP Alignment: Oversee the tactical execution of buy signals generated by Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, ensuring data integrity around lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and pricing.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Customer Program Management, New Product Introduction (NPI), Planning, Engineering, and Quality teams to smoothly onboard new programs, transition components, and resolve supplier-quality issues (SCARs).

• Escalation Management: Serve as the final divisional escalation point before Corporate/TCG enterprise level Global Sourcing team for critical material shortages, leveraging executive supplier relationships to expedite component delivery and prevent factory downtime.

Team Leadership & Process Optimization

• Talent Development: Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of Purchasing Managers, Procurement Specialists, and Strategic Buyers across divisional sites.

• Process Standardization: Standardize and automate purchasing workflows (e.g., electronic data interchange/EDI systems, automated PO workflows) to drive operational efficiency and strict compliance with corporate governance.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education & Certifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement/Purchasing, Business Administration, or an Engineering/Technical discipline.

• Preferred: MBA or advanced degree; ASCM/APICS certifications (CSCP, CPIM) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are highly valued.

Experience

• Fabrication & Electro-Mechanical Expertise: 15+ years of progressive mechanical procurement or purchasing experience specifically within the EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services), Contract Manufacturing, or high-tech ODM sectors.

• Leadership Track Record: 5+ years of experience leading multi-site procurement or sourcing teams in a matrix organization.

• Component Market Knowledge: Deep, specialized familiarity with the global metals & electrical component market ecosystem (semiconductors, passives, PCBs, custom plastics/metals) and franchised distribution channels.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Negotiation: Proven track record of high-stakes contract negotiations and commercial settlements with Tier-1 component manufacturers and distributors.

• ERP/MRP Fluency: Expert-level understanding of material planning and purchasing workflows within major ERP architectures (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Financial Acumen: Strong proficiency in P&L structures, cost accounting, spend analytics, and cost modeling (should-cost analysis).

• Agility & Impact: Highly analytical problem-solver who thrives under a high sense of urgency, capable of maintaining composure and driving rapid results during supply-chain crises.

Salary Range (annual): $150,000 - $180,000. Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package.  The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a  (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.