Supply Chain Manager, Artificial Leather

What to Expect

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Global Supply Chain Manager to support our development teams and manufacturing partners in the sourcing of Directed artificial leather and related interior materials. This is a global position working across all vehicle programs (including Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, Semi, Cybercab and other NPI programs) as well as any other components intrinsic to the successful running of the organization. Collaborating closely with Design Studio, Materials Engineering, Design Engineering, and the Tier 1 Supply Chain team, this role ensures the successful launch and support of production vehicles while maintaining service continuity.

What You’ll Do

• Own RFQs, RFIs, and related commercial processes, ensuring all terms are agreed and documented. Negotiate and position NDAs, Statements of Work, General Terms & Conditions, Piece Price Agreements, and other contracts appropriately before business is initiated
• Drive piece-price, tooling, and material negotiations to ensure Tesla’s artificial leather commodity pricing is best-in-class, while meeting supplier industrialization standards for quality, in addition to driving continual cost reduction and avoidance through periodic and ad-hoc negotiations
• Monitor global industry trends, technology roadmaps, and market conditions for artificial leather; actively partner with Design and Engineering teams to identify and mitigate supply/demand challenges and opportunities
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including dispute resolution, supplier scorecards, periodic business reviews, and development of key performance measures. Negotiate longer-term strategic contracts (including service agreements) that deliver significant cost reduction, improved service levels, and ongoing support for Tesla’s out-of-production vehicles to maintain customer satisfaction
• Lead commodity management activities, including development of strategic commodity plans, global market and pricing analysis, spend analysis, supply-base consolidation, identification of high-potential new suppliers, evaluation of existing suppliers, and development of sourcing alternatives to create leverage
• Lead cross-functional teams to manage project timelines using action trackers and other program-management tools to ensure on-time delivery of supplier parts against program timing. Build and maintain relationships with cross-functional teams and influence timely decisions
• Communicate key supply, cost, and/or quality issues to management teams and develop corrective action plans to mitigate identified risks. Comfortable communicating with technical stakeholders both internally and externally

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent experience with evidence of exceptional ability
• 2+ years of experience in supply chain management, commodity management, or buying/purchasing associated with artificial leather and automotive interior materials (including but not limited to seating, instrument panel, doors and other interior applications)
• Technical and commercial understanding of manufacturing processes associated with artificial leather ( coating, lamination, finishing, and related processes) as well as the automotive interiors industry, including knowledge of PUR, PVC, TPO materials, manufacturing processes, and relevant industry standards. Ability to generate bottom-up should-costs based on raw materials, backing, and process knowledge
• Proficient knowledge of technical requirements and product design; able to influence cross-functional partners with detailed analysis supporting optimized pricing and sourcing decisions
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work in an extremely fast-paced environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Windows and Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time (global role with international suppliers)