Series Procurement Specialist

As a Series Procurement Specialist, you will play a key role in building and optimizing DeepDrive’s supplier network for next-generation electric drive technology. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams, you will drive sourcing strategies, negotiate with suppliers, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure a reliable supply base for both development and series production. This is a highly cross-functional role with a direct impact on DeepDrive’s growth, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience.

This role reports directly to our Procurement Manager in China.

• Develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies to ensure cost competitiveness and supply security across assigned material categories.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective supplier negotiations, competitive bidding, localization, supplier optimization, and other strategic sourcing levers.

• Analyze supply markets, cost structures, and supplier landscapes to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and maintain a competitive cost position.

• Ensure material availability by proactively managing supplier performance, capacity constraints, quality risks, and sourcing strategies, including dual-sourcing and supplier development initiatives.

• Build and maintain a strong supplier base through supplier selection, evaluation, development, and phase-out processes in close collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams.

• Partner with R&D and Engineering teams throughout the product development cycle, identifying suitable suppliers, supporting sourcing activities, and ensuring timely sample procurement to meet project milestones.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify and realize productivity and cost-improvement opportunities across the organization.

• Manage supplier relationships and act as the primary procurement interface for assigned commodities and projects.

• Support additional procurement and sourcing activities as required by business needs.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the line manager.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in Strategic Procurement, Project Procurement, or a comparable purchasing role within a high-tech manufacturing environment.

• Experience in the electrical or mechanical manufacturing industry is highly desirable; knowledge of electric motor components is a strong advantage.

• Fluent in English and confident using it as a working language.

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and sourcing strategies.

• Solid technical understanding of the materials and components within your area of responsibility.

• Good understanding of quality management principles, commercial practices, and contract law.

• Proven negotiation skills and the ability to build successful supplier relationships.

• Strong project management and stakeholder management capabilities, with experience driving cross-functional teams and procurement initiatives.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with SAP or other ERP systems is a plus.

• Analytical, proactive, and results-oriented with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Willingness to travel frequently, including domestic and international business travel.