Summary
We are seeking a highly analytical and results-oriented Strategic Cost Optimization Manager to lead corporate-wide cost reduction initiatives across global operations, supporting the companys objective of achieving a 20% cost reduction target by the end of 2027.
This role serves as the central coordinator and catalyst for cost optimization efforts across manufacturing sites in the United States, China, and Taiwan, partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Manufacturing, and key suppliers. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, tracking, and executing cost reduction opportunities across materials, PCBA, optical components, semiconductors, telecom hardware, manufacturing processes, logistics, and capital investments.
In addition, the role will support strategic supply management and material/equipment recovery or pull-in activities as needed, particularly for globally constrained or business-critical IC components and capital equipment shared across multiple manufacturing sites.
The ideal candidate possesses strong cost modeling, supply chain, manufacturing, and financial analysis capabilities, with proven experience leading cross-functional cost reduction programs in a high-volume electronics, semiconductor, optical networking, or telecommunications manufacturing environment.
Job Duties
Develop and drive a multi-year global cost optimization roadmap aligned with corporate profitability and margin improvement objectives
Lead cross-functional cost reduction initiatives across materials, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and operational expenditures
Coordinate cost reduction activities across manufacturing and sourcing teams in the United States, China, and Taiwan
Establish annual, quarterly, and monthly cost reduction targets and monitor progress against commitments
Drive accountability across stakeholders to ensure achievement of cost reduction goals and project milestones
Prepare executive-level dashboards, KPI reporting, and management reviews on cost reduction performance
Quantify and validate realized savings in partnership with Finance
Perform detailed cost modeling, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations
Identify cost reduction opportunities through value engineering, design-to-cost, process optimization, and supplier collaboration
Analyze product cost structures including optical transceivers, PCBA, wafers, semiconductors, mechanical assemblies, and telecom hardware
Evaluate cost impacts associated with product design changes, manufacturing processes, yield improvements, and material substitutions
Support make-versus-buy analyses and manufacturing footprint optimization initiatives
Develop business cases and ROI assessments for cost reduction projects
Partner with sourcing and supplier management teams to identify and execute supplier-driven cost reduction opportunities
Lead commercial discussions related to cost improvement programs, productivity initiatives, and long-term pricing strategies
Review supplier cost structures and validate cost reduction proposals
Collaborate with suppliers on value engineering, process improvements, localization, and capacity optimization opportunities
Monitor commodity trends, supplier capacity, market conditions, and cost drivers impacting material spend
Support supplier negotiations related to annual productivity and cost reduction commitments
Serve as the central coordinator for cost reduction activities across global manufacturing sites
Align cost reduction priorities among Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance organizations
Drive implementation of best practices and cost optimization initiatives across multiple locations
Support manufacturing transfer, localization, automation, and productivity improvement programs
Facilitate executive reviews and cross-functional governance meetings to ensure timely execution of cost reduction actions
Evaluate geopolitical, tariff, trade compliance, logistics, and supply chain risks impacting product cost structures
Assess cost implications of supplier transitions, manufacturing footprint changes, and sourcing strategies
Support tariff mitigation, localization, and supply chain resiliency initiatives
Develop contingency plans to mitigate inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions
Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to executive leadership
Qualifications
Bachelor''s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
Minimum 8 years of experience in supplier cost control, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or procurement in manufacturing or high-tech industry
Experience in semiconductor, optical, telecom, or electronics manufacturing industries
Proven experience supporting NPI programs and supplier qualification activities
Experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional sourcing initiatives
Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Must be bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)
Experience working with Asia-based suppliers (China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia)
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 60%)
Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
In addition to a competitive salary, AOI offers