Global Supply Manager, Robotic Actuation

About Supply Chain Resources Group (SCRG)

Supply Chain Resources Group (SCRG) is the execution partner for the worlds most innovative hardware companies. We help everyone from the biggest tech companies to the most promising start-ups design implement and manage their product manufacturing supply chain. SCRG provides manufacturing and supply chain advisory services vendor management services and highly skilled technical resources in the worlds major manufacturing centers. From prototypes and early-stage New Product Introduction (NPI) to full high volume mass production our teams bring speed clarity and control to complex global supply chains.

Role Overview

As a Global Supply Manager (GSM) for Robotic Actuation you will advise and assist our clientsranging from industry-leading OEMs to cutting-edge humanoid robotics startupswith end-to-end commercial and strategic relationships with global mechatronic suppliers. You will serve as the commercial leader for the actuation commodity responsible for sourcing negotiating and ensuring the scaling of critical electromechanical components including fully integrated rotary actuators BLDC motors linear actuators strain-wave gearboxes harmonic drives high-precision encoders and integrated motor controllers.

You will bridge the gap between our clients hardware engineering teams and the global supply base ensuring that advanced robotic actuators meet rigorous targets for cost quality and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Selection: Identify evaluate and onboard global suppliers capable of manufacturing high-precision robotic actuation systems. Lead the RFQ/RFP process and execute supplier capability audits alongside engineering and quality teams.
• Cost Management & Negotiation: Develop bottom-up should-cost models for complex mechatronic assemblies. Negotiate aggressive pricing Master Supply Agreements (MSAs) Statements of Work (SOWs) and capacity investments to drive cost reductions throughout the product lifecycle.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Partner closely with Mechanical Electrical and Systems Engineering teams during the DFM (Design for Manufacturing) phase to align component design with supplier capabilities cost targets and market availability.
• Capacity & Risk Management: Analyze supplier capacity constraints secure long-lead materials (e.g. rare earth magnets for motors specialized bearings) and develop dual-sourcing strategies to mitigate geopolitical and supply chain risks.
• Supplier Performance Management: Conduct regular Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield optimize cycle times and ensure on-time delivery (OTD) at the factory level.
• Cross-Functional Execution: Act as the primary liaison between the client OEM and the contract manufacturers/Tier-2 suppliers resolving critical path escalations and ensuring smooth transitions from prototype builds (EVT/DVT) to Mass Production (MP).

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5 years of experience in global supply management strategic sourcing or procurement specifically within hardware electronics manufacturing services (EMS) or robotics.
• Commodity Expertise: Deep technical understanding of electromechanical commodities specifically motor technologies (BLDC stepper) gearboxes (planetary harmonic/strain-wave) sensors (optical/magnetic absolute encoders) and related mechatronics.
• Commercial Acumen: Proven track record of structuring complex supplier agreements managing multi-million-dollar spend portfolios and negotiating capital expenditure (CapEx) for custom tooling and test equipment.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Strong grasp of manufacturing processes related to actuation including CNC machining of high-tolerance parts PCBA manufacturing for motor drives and precision electromechanical assembly.
• Global Execution: Extensive experience collaborating with contract manufacturers (CMs) and Tier-2 component suppliers across Greater China and global manufacturing hubs.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Mechatronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English to effectively interface between international clients and regional suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Masters in Engineering Supply Chain Management or MBA)
• Prior experience navigating the complexities of high-torque low-weight robotic joint requirements (e.g. for humanoid industrial or collaborative robots).
• Experience operating in an embedded-client environment or delivering integrated supply chain solutions.