Strategic Sourcing Manager

ABOUT LUMILENS At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient. We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation, it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every decision you make will directly influence how we build, source, and deliver the infrastructure of tomorrow. If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started. POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to join our rapidly growing team. This role is critical in building and scaling a resilient, high-performance supplier network to support our next-generation photonics products. You will own supplier strategy, sourcing, commercial negotiations, and supply continuity across key categories including silicon photonics, advanced packaging, and optical components. The ideal candidate will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and terms, and work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and manufacturing partners to align sourcing decisions with product development and production goals. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on cost, quality, scalability, and time-to-market. What You'll Do - Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans aligned with product roadmaps and company growth objectives - Identify, qualify, onboard, and manage key suppliers across component vendors, contract manufacturers, and strategic manufacturing partners - Lead supplier negotiations across pricing, lead times, capacity, quality, and commercial terms. Negotiate and execute master supply agreements and other critical commercial agreements, including Statement of Work (SOW), development agreements, NDAs, etc. - Drive cost optimization initiatives through early design engagement, market intelligence, should-cost modeling, supplier process improvement, and long-term supply agreements. - Ensure supply continuity and mitigate risk through multi-sourcing, supplier performance management, and contingency planning - Partner with cross functional teams to drive supplier selection process (own RFx), support component and module qualification during NPI programs and enable smooth transitions to high-volume manufacturing - Collaborate with operations and manufacturing partners to align demand, capacity, and delivery commitments - Develop and drive supplier performance against KPIs including cost, quality, delivery, responsiveness, capacity and innovation - Act as the primary escalation path for his/her respective commodity. Key Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field - 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, or supply chain management within semiconductor, photonics, or high-tech industries - Strong experience working with global suppliers including contract manufacturers, specialty component vendors, and strategic manufacturing partners - Experience in optical technologies and demonstrated experience with deployment of manufacturing processes - Proven track record supporting NPI to HVM transitions in complex hardware environments and with contract manufacturers - Deep understanding of strategic sourcing fundamentals including cost modeling, supplier negotiations, contract terms, and risk management - Experience working embedding with hardware engineering throughout product development process - Ability to operate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across engineering, product management, operations, and finance - Actively participate in solving operational challenges to keep product schedules on track - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset - Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments Preferred Skills - Experience in silicon photonics, optical transceivers, or advanced packaging - Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain analytics tools - Experience building supply chains from early-stage to scale - Knowledge of global trade, logistics, and compliance considerations Why Join Us?