Purchasing Manager Automotive Jobs in California

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.

Located in Silicon Valley, Sanmina Fremont offers a unique, single-location end-to-end mechanical systems manufacturing service. The facility specializes in low-to-mid volume production, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Its comprehensive, high-tolerance capabilities range from small parts to fully integrated and tested systems, including sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, manual/robotic welding, and advanced in-house painting.

Powered by an accelerated volume-to-market model, the Fremont operation delivers highly flexible logistics, distribution, and repair services tailored to fast-changing customer needs. It is an incredibly exciting time to work in fabrication and integration within the manufacturing sector. What once consisted of highly manual, labor-intensive machine processes has morphed into an era of robotics, automation, and complex engineering.

Fremont supports the critical infrastructure driving the semiconductor, automotive, defense, aerospace, and artificial intelligence sectors. As AI transforms multiple key industries, Sanmina Fremont is leading the charge by building specialized server racks designed for AI workloads, alongside sophisticated cooling solutions to optimize both performance and energy efficiency. Sanmina offers diverse opportunities across various fields-including production, welding, design engineering, and account management.

Working at Sanmina Fremont means collaborating with cross-functional teams and multiple departments to be an integral part of this dynamic and fast-growing industry. At Sanmina, we cultivate internal talent and provide resources for everyone to thrive. Whether you are looking to build foundational skills or expand your existing expertise, you can leverage our Tuition Reimbursement program, master new software, and diversify your portfolio.

We also offer vibrant platforms for professionals eager to lead, mentor, and train others. As we expand our cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, we are looking for a motivated Senior Purchasing Manager who wants to build a meaningful career and join our dynamic team in Fremont. Job Purpose The Senior Purchasing Manager is a high-visibility leadership role is designed for a strategic procurement professional looking to own the end-to-end supply chain for a major facility launch.

You will be the architect of the supply chain workflows for a high-complexity industrial environment, moving beyond simple transactions to drive strategic department leadership and operational excellence. Nature of Duties/Responsibilities: Department Foundation: Design and execute procurement protocols and vendor onboarding processes for a new facility managing a high volume of unique, technical components and specialty raw materials. Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a core team of 2-4 Buyers, establishing KPIs and a culture of proactive supply chain management.

Operational Execution: Execute procurement activities based on sourcing decisions made by the Global Strategic Sourcing team. Manage specialized sourcing of customer-mandated "buy items" alongside a complex portfolio of OEM parts and custom-fabricated components. Technical Commodity Management: Oversee the procurement of high-spec raw materials (metals, chemicals, and specialized fluids) ensuring technical compliance and continuity of supply.

Strategic Sourcing & TCO: Utilize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models to drive sourcing decisions beyond just the initial price point, accounting for logistics, quality, and lead times. Vendor Relationship Management: Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers-including international vendors-to ensure strict adherence to quality standards, payment terms, and delivery schedules. Inventory Optimization: Monitor and manage inventory levels in close coordination with planning and suppliers to ensure inventory turns match operational targets, particularly for long-lead-time items.

KPI Execution & Tracking: Lead supplier performance reviews and manage weekly supply buys. Actively track and manage Purchase Price Variance (PPV) to ensure favorable financial outcomes. Supply Chain Integration: Coordinate closely with the global commodity team to ensure the arrival of precision-engineered components is synchronized with raw material availability and production schedules.

Margin Stewardship: Protect plant profitability through aggressive lead-time management and sophisticated pricing negotiations with technical vendors. Education and Experience: Education: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. Professional Tenure: 6-8+ years of progressive experience in industrial procurement, specifically within heavy manufacturing.

Industry Focus: Experience in heavy industrial manufacturing, complex assembly, or precision-engineered equipment is a significant advantage. Systems Expertise: Proficiency in Oracle or SAP is highly preferred. Candidates must understand how to leverage Tier-1 ERP systems to manage complex data.

Technical Fluency: Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and navigate complex Bills of Materials (BOMs) to effectively negotiate with custom fabrication and OEM vendors. Certifications (Preferred): Professional designations such as CPSM or CSCP are a strong plus. This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Salary Range (annual): $120,000 - $175,000. 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.