At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to develop high performing products to study genomics with unprecedented flexibility and quality that enable researchers to better understand biology for the improvement of global health. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking an experienced Staff Commodity Manager, Strategic Sourcing, to develop and execute strategic sourcing roadmaps for critical commodities spanning life sciences mechanical assemblies, electronics, and specialized materials. This role combines deep commodity expertise with strategic execution across the full product lifecycle—from development through commercialization. You will lead supplier selection, qualification, and development initiatives; conduct advanced cost modeling and COGS optimization; manage complex supplier relationships and negotiations; and ensure supply continuity while driving quality and innovation.
This individual will collaborate closely with R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Manufacturing to align sourcing strategies with technical and business objectives. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated expertise in commodity management, supplier development, contract negotiations, and supply chain risk management, with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically. This is an excellent role for a strategic sourcing professional seeking to expand their scope and impact beyond individual commodities toward enterprise-level supply chain challenges. This role will report to our Director, Strategic Sourcing and is a daily on-site role at our San Diego headquarters.
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute multi-year strategic sourcing roadmaps for assigned commodity families, defining sourcing strategies that align with product development timelines, technology roadmaps, and COGS targets
- Define and implement sourcing governance frameworks for New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining programs, ensuring clear decision rights, stakeholder alignment, and risk management processes
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding activities for direct materials, contract manufacturing partners, and technical services across the product lifecycle
- Influence design-for-cost (DFC) and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) early in the R&D cycle; collaborate with Engineering and R&D to drive make-vs-buy decisions and multi-sourcing strategies
- Evaluate suppliers for technical capability, manufacturability, cost efficiency, and readiness across NPI phases; act as primary technical liaison between internal stakeholders and supplier engineering teams
- Conduct detailed cost breakdowns and total-landed-cost (TLC) modeling using should-cost analysis; drive COGS optimization and cost avoidance initiatives across commodity families
- Develop and maintain supplier scorecards; lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and corrective action planning; track and report on sourcing KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, supply chain resilience) to leadership
- Strengthen supply chain resilience and continuity by qualifying alternate sources, implementing diversification strategies, and managing geopolitical and tariff-related risks
- Lead contract negotiations on pricing, payment terms, risk-sharing, flexibility clauses, and supply continuity commitments; draft sourcing governance documents
- Interpret and leverage technical documentation including engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to ensure supplier understanding of requirements, manufacturability, and cost accuracy
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure supplier compliance with industry standards (ISO 13485, RoHS, REACH, GMP); support supplier quality audits and certification processes
- Represent Strategic Sourcing in cross-functional forums including product roadmap syncs, design reviews, operations planning, and business reviews with executive leadership
- Maintain accurate sourcing documentation, Bill of Materials (BOM) alignment, supplier records, and master data to ensure data integrity and compliance
- Deliver clear, data-driven presentations and updates to stakeholders on sourcing strategy, supplier performance, cost initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts
- Thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with shifting priorities, rapidly evolving technical requirements, and a diverse portfolio of concurrent projects
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
- 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement engineering, supplier quality, or associated supply chain roles, with experience in regulated industries
- Demonstrated expertise in commodity management and strategic sourcing across diverse materials and components (mechanical high complexity assemblies, electronics, hardware)
- Extensive experience negotiating complex commercial contracts, managing technical supplier relationships, and driving supplier performance improvements
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and design documentation across mechanical and electrical systems preferred
- Deep expertise in cost modeling, should-cost analysis, total-landed-cost (TLC) calculation, and COGS management across product lifecycles
- Proven ability to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier development programs, and supply chain transformation projects
- Proficiency with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and advanced analytical tools (Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, data visualization platforms)
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership on sourcing strategy, technical decisions, and risk management
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with ability to challenge assumptions and provide objective, data-driven recommendations
- Self-directed, analytically rigorous problem-solver with high initiative and proactivity in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds
Location:
- San Diego, CA (onsite daily)
Travel:
- Domestic travel up to 10% - supplier visits
Job Type:
Base Compensation Pay Range:
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
