Supply Chain Manager - Manufacturing Capex

Job Description

Tesla is seeking a highly motivated Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing and commercial strategies for manufacturing capital equipment and components supporting Tesla’s Vehicle, Energy, Cell, and Optimus manufacturing programs. In this role, you will partner closely with Tesla’s Manufacturing and Operations teams to bring complex production systems from concept through launch. You will own supply chain planning, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contracting, cost strategy, and supplier performance for capital equipment programs. This is a highly visible, hands-on role with significant ownership. You will work directly with cross-functional teams and global suppliers, solve complex commercial challenges, and influence decisions that impact factory investment, production readiness, cost, and scalability. We are looking for someone who combines strong commercial judgment with technical curiosity and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The strongest candidates are builders and problem-solvers who are comfortable challenging assumptions, negotiating complex deals, and taking full ownership from sourcing strategy through execution.

Job Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end sourcing strategy for manufacturing capital equipment, from early technical concepts and RFQs through supplier selection, contracting, equipment builds, launch, and production support
• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations team to understand equipment requirements, manufacturing processes, technology roadmaps, and the global supplier landscape
• Lead negotiation of General Terms and Conditions (GTCs) for the supply base, securing favorable commercial terms while partnering with Legal on key legal provisions
• Lead commercial negotiations covering equipment pricing, tooling, design changes, payment milestones, warranties, capacity, delivery, and contractual risk
• Develop sourcing strategies using should-cost analysis, benchmarking, competitive bidding, value analysis, localization, and supplier development to improve total cost of ownership
• Leverage AI and advanced analytics tools to enhance should-cost modeling, supplier evaluation, risk assessment and market intelligence - assessing supplier capabilities, technical solutions, financial health, execution risk and commerical competitiveness to drive data-driven sourcing recommendations  
• Build and manage strategic relationships with global equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers; lead executive-level business reviews and resolve critical commercial, quality, or delivery escalations
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, Legal, and Program teams to ensure sourcing decisions support cost, quality, timing, and production-launch plan
• Identify new manufacturing technologies and develop new supplier capabilities to support Tesla’s manufacturing roadmap and CapEx demands
• Drive category strategy across global market, cost models, technology trends, supplier capacity, and supply-and-demand risks by working closely with suppliers to fully understanding the tiered supply chain

Job Requirements

• Degree in engineering, business, or an equivalent related discipline, with an exceptional track record, or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years of experience in a sourcing role, preferably for capital equipment
• Strong understanding of contract fundamentals; experience developing “should-cost” estimates and analyzing supplier quotes
• Open-minded self-starter with the ability to adapt, improvise, and problem-solve; demonstrated experience achieving and exceeding cost-reduction objectives
• Excellent Excel, Microsoft Office, and data analysis skills required; experience with ERP or MRP purchasing systems preferred
• Ability to work independently on multiple tasks and projects with various teams, including engineers and supply chain personnel
• Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills; strong organizational skills to manage and track transactional details

• Team player with strong interpersonal and project management skills