Freelance Localization Project Manager Jobs in Leander, TX

Position Summary

The Supply Chain / Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing global supply chain strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and risk across assigned commodities and suppliers. This role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Planning, Quality, and Procurement to ensure supply continuity, support customer New Product Introductions (NPI), and drive continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

This highly visible, highly matrixed operations role owns the supply strategy for assigned commodities, products, and projects while optimizing delivery performance, inventory, cash flow, and cost of goods sold.  Candidates will support key initiatives in one or more of three key functions: Supplier Management, Supply Chain Project Management, and Customer New Product Introductions (NPI). 

Roles & Responsibilities

Supplier Management

• Develop and execute commodity strategies for OEM content and assigned Build-to-Print (BTP) commodities.
• Manage strategic sourcing for commodities including cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and precision sheet metal, balancing cost, quality, lead time, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
• Partner with Engineering to review drawings, specifications, BOMs, and engineering changes to ensure manufacturability and successful product launches.
• Lead supplier qualification, sourcing, and performance management for custom cable assemblies, electromechanical interconnects, and fabricated sheet metal, including tooling, PPAP, FAI, and process capability readiness.
• Build strategic supplier relationships while driving performance through business reviews, scorecards, audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure suppliers have adequate capacity to support forecasted demand throughout the product lifecycle, from New Product Development (NPD) through End of Life (EOL).
• Develop sourcing agreements that align commercial requirements, capacity planning, cost objectives, and flow-down requirements.
• Drive inventory optimization through Demand Driven MRP (DDMRP), Kanban, supplier replenishment programs, and ERP planning strategies.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, supplier development, and proactive capacity planning.
• Travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.

Supply Chain Project Management

• Lead strategic supply chain initiatives that improve operational performance, supply continuity, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the global supply chain.
• Lead dual sourcing, localization, and regionalization efforts to strengthen supply resilience and reduce business risk.
• Drive resolution of complex supply chain challenges, including supplier constraints, quality issues, material shortages, yield concerns, and manufacturing bottlenecks.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that improve delivery performance, cost, inventory, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership

• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and operational goals.
• Build collaborative relationships across Engineering, Operations, Planning, Quality, Procurement, and key suppliers.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and escalate risks while driving timely root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Foster accountability, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision making.

Key Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Material Availability
• Lead Time Reduction
• Cost Reduction / Cost Avoidance
• Supplier Quality Performance
• Dual Source Qualification
• Product Gross Margin Improvement
• Supply Chain Risk Mitigation

Skills

• Strong knowledge of commodity management, strategic sourcing, supplier development, purchasing, planning, and program management.
• Understanding of manufacturing documentation including PPAP, FAI, Control Plans, and Process Capability.
• Working knowledge of Build-to-Print manufacturing processes including cable assemblies, wire harness fabrication, CNC punching, laser cutting, bending, welding, PEM hardware installation, and finishing processes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive-level supplier partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and commercial agreements.
• Experience with ERP and PLM systems; Oracle and Agile preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, planning, operations, or New Product Introduction  (NPI); ten or more years of relevant experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, capital equipment, medical device, aerospace, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience across multiple operational disciplines-including procurement, planning, production management, logistics, manufacturing engineering, or program management-is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success leading supplier performance improvements, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional business projects with strong analytical and root cause problem-solving skills.