Sourcing & Procurement Specialist

Waev Inc. is an electric mobility OEM founded in 2021 to manufacture, distribute, market, and support the GEM, Taylor-Dunn and Tiger brands. GEM was the first commercially-produced, street-legal low-speed vehicle in the United States. GEMs shuttle people and goods across city centers, residential communities, government campuses, colleges and universities, and other micro-environments. Founded in 1949, Taylor-Dunn burden carriers, personnel carriers, and stockchasers have been trusted solutions in a broad range of commercial environments and provide premium reliability, safety features, and all-electric efficiency for industrial grade applications. Tiger heavy-duty tow tractors have been towing cargo, baggage, parcel, and other equipment in ground support applications since 1981. Waev's headquarters and factory are located in Anaheim, California.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sourcing & Procurement Specialist is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing suppliers to support Waev's manufacturing and engineering needs. This role is focused on supplier sourcing, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance, with strong day-to-day collaboration with Engineering and Operations. The ideal candidate is locally based, proactive, and able to act with urgency in a fast-paced OEM environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

Sourcing & Procurement:

• Source and qualify domestic and international suppliers for production components, materials, and services
• Prepare, issue, and evaluate RFQs/RFPs in alignment with commodity and sourcing strategies
• Identify and recommend alternate suppliers to improve cost, quality, delivery, and supply continuity
• Support supplier onboarding, consolidation, and ongoing relationship management
• Enter and maintain supplier, cost, and sourcing data in ERP systems as required

Cost Savings & Strategic Sourcing:

• Identify, evaluate, and execute cost reduction opportunities across components, materials, and services
• Lead supplier negotiations focused on price reductions, contract negotiations, improved commercial terms, and total cost of ownership
• Source and qualify alternate suppliers to improve cost competitiveness and reduce supply risk
• Track, measure, and report cost savings initiatives and sourcing outcomes
• Support supplier consolidation initiatives to leverage volume and improve pricing

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner closely with Engineering on new product introductions, design changes, and cost-down initiatives
• Coordinate supplier involvement during component releases and design updates
• Support value engineering and cost-down workshops with suppliers and internal teams
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality to resolve supplier-related issues and ensure alignment with Waev requirements

Performance Measurement

• Success in this role will be measured by quantifiable cost savings delivered, including documented annualized savings from sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and cost-reduction projects.
• Additional performance indicators include supplier cost competitiveness, responsiveness, and support of engineering-led cost-down initiatives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 1–2 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain roles
• Experience in manufacturing, OEM, or technical environments preferred

KNOWLEGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated cost-focused mindset with basic negotiation experience
• Ability to evaluate total cost of ownership, not just unit price
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple sourcing initiatives
• Comfortable working on-site and engaging directly with suppliers and engineers
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Location: On-site in Anaheim, CA
• Environment: Fast-paced office/manufacturing/warehouse environment

EEO Statement

Waev Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.