Manager, Procurement & Strategic Partnerships- Chassis

Foster City, CA hybrid Until 9/7/2026 10+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted July 9, 2026 Last posted July 9, 2026
Job description
The Manager, Procurement & Strategic Partnerships will lead a high-performing procurement team responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing, commercial execution, and lifecycle management of Zoox’s chassis control portfolio, including suspension, braking, and steering systems. Operating in a demanding, fast-paced environment, this role blends people leadership with commercial execution - driving global supplier strategies, leading contract negotiations, and partnering closely with Engineering, Program, Quality and Finance to meet vehicle cost, quality, and production milestones.

In this role, you will:

    • Team Leadership & Integrity: Build, scale, and mentor a high-performing procurement team while maintaining compliance with company policies and the highest standard of professional ethics.

    • Sourcing Strategy: Lead the end-to-end RFI/RFQ/RFP processes and develop long-term global sourcing strategies for chassis components to minimize cost and optimize terms.

    • Commercial Negotiations: Lead complex negotiations for master supply agreements, production statements of work and secure best-in-class pricing.

    • Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Engineering and Finance to build 3–5 year technology and costing roadmaps, ensuring technical requirements meet Design for Manufacturing (DfM) and vehicle margin targets.

    • Supplier & Risk Management: Map the supply chain, evaluate supplier performance, and leverage data analysis to mitigate supply chain risks, ensure business continuity, and maintain automotive PPAP standards.

Qualifications

    • Industry Experience: 10+ years of purchasing, procurement, or commodity management experience within the automotive chassis, vehicle dynamics, or heavy industrial manufacturing industry preferred, comparable electro mechanical experience will also be considered.

    • People Leadership: Minimum 3+ years of dedicated experience directly managing, mentoring, and leading a team of purchasing professionals.

    • Technical Acumen: Working knowledge of chassis product development, vehicle dynamics, and advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., forging, casting, machining, and mechanical/electromechanical assembly) preferred.

    • Data & Analytics: Strong capabilities in organizing complex data, bid leveling, and financial forecasting, with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.

    • Communication & Influence: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills to build alignment and influence internal and cross functional stakeholders.

Compensation (from employer):
175000–242000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Lead procurement team for chassis systems, develop sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage suppliers.

Job title

Manager, Procurement & Strategic Partnerships- Chassis

Experience level

10+ years, 3+ years of management

Minimum experience

10+ years exp

Industry

automotive

Location requirements

Foster City, CA; on-site role; remote not specified.

Salary

$175k–$242k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

purchasingprocurementnegotiationdata analysisExcel

Preferred skills

vehicle dynamicsmanufacturing processesfinancial forecastingstakeholder influence

Specializations

procurementsourcingnegotiationvehicle dynamics
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Foster City, CA, USA

On-site City