Manager, Strategic & Commodities Sourcing, Frontier AI & Robotics

Join us in shaping the future of robotics and AI by building the supply chains that power breakthrough innovation. As a Strategic Sourcing & Commodities Manager youll own end-to-end sourcing strategy and supplier relationships across our full spectrum of needs from specialized robotics components to commodity parts software data and advanced lab equipment. Youll drive a unified high-performing supply chain team that enables our rapidly scaling organization while solving complex procurement challenges at the intersection of innovative technology and operational excellence.

Key job responsibilities
Lead comprehensive end-to-end sourcing strategies for our advanced robotic product portfolios spanning contract manufacturers specialized components commodity parts and general lab equipment acquisitions
Distill ambiguous requirements and future plans into an actionable supply chain strategy while exhibiting strong judgement and leadership
Identify negotiate execute and structure partnerships with robot contract manufacturers; serve as the ongoing relationship owner and bridge requirements and design changes between our engineering teams and manufacturing partners
Source and negotiate favorable terms for off-the-shelf robots and manage follow-up parts orders maintenance and support contracts for robot fleets
Source specialized and commodity components critical to our efforts such as actuators perception modules cameras GPUs wiring other specialized robotics components and lab equipment
Plan material supply requirements manage inventory levels and maintain schedules while proactively identifying supply chain risks and developing mitigation strategies
Implement update and train others on using an inventory management / ERP system
Actively identify process improvements cost analysis and automation opportunities; manage and mentor a small team including sourcing managers buyers and inventory shipping and receiving staff

A day in the life
Your focus centers on managing the complete sourcing lifecycle for the Frontier AI & Robotics team. You might spend your morning negotiating contract terms with a robot manufacturer while simultaneously coordinating with our engineering teams to translate technical specifications into procurement the afternoon you could be evaluating specialized component suppliers for perception modules then reviewing inventory levels and supply chain risks to identify potential bottlenecks before they impact our development timeline.

Beyond routine procurement youll collaborate across AI research mechanical electrical controls engineering operations manufacturing and quality teams to ensure seamless product launches. Youll mentor sourcers buyers shipping and receiving and inventory staff and actively seek opportunities to streamline processes reduce costs and automate workflows. Your work directly enables our teams to access the specialized robotics components off-the-shelf robots and lab infrastructure they need to push the boundaries of whats possible in embodied AI.

About the team
We are the supply chain backbone of Frontier AI & Roboticsthe team building the next generation of embodied intelligence at Amazon. Our mission is to enable our research and engineering teams to move fast by sourcing and managing a portfolio of highly specialized robotics technology advanced sensing systems custom assemblies and precision components. We serve customers across Amazons operations who depend on our robots to see reason and act in warehouse environments. Over the coming years were focused on scaling our supply base from prototype quantities to production volumes while maintaining the quality and reliability that our programs demand. Youll be a key partner in that journey working closely with colleagues across supply chain engineering and research to anticipate needs solve sourcing challenges and build supplier relationships that support our ambitious roadmap.

- 7 years of developing negotiating and executing business agreements experience
- Bachelors degree in Business Operations Supply Chain Management Engineering or related technical field
- 7 years of experience in technical or commercial sourcing in high-volume manufacturing environments with demonstrated breadth across strategic sourcing specialized components contract manufacturing and commodity procurement
- 1 years of experience managing a team hiring and determining appropriate team structure
- Strong communication skills to liaise with partners stakeholders and leadership both internally and externally. Able to clearly articulate requirements trade-offs and recommendations
- Understanding of robotics hardware electronics and specialized technical components including actuators sensors and electro-mechanical assemblies
- Experience managing procurement processes end-to-end: vendor search negotiation purchase order filing order tracking receiving and delivery

- Masters degree in a technical discipline or MBA
- Experience in robotics AI research semiconductors or similar high-technology industries
- Strong negotiation and analytical skills with experience negotiating high-value complex technical purchases
- Global supply chain management expertise with international suppliers
- Experience working in progressive high-growth high-change environments including research labs or startups
- Experience selling sourcing partners including projecting revenue opportunity and leading customer interactions across multiple management levels
- Mandarin language proficiency

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status disability or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees supervisors and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees supervisors and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal state and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct adverse and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies exercise sound judgment effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism and safeguard business operations and the Companys reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process including support for the interview or onboarding process please visit for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt listed please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience qualifications and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical dental vision prescription Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans EAP Mental Health Support Medical Advice Line Flexible Spending Accounts Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage) 401(k) matching paid time off and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at CA San Francisco - 193700.00 - 262000.00 USD annually