Senior Direct Procurement Manager

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

The Procurement team is seeking a strategic and technical Senior Direct Procurement Manager to act as the primary coordinator between RV Tech's Engineering/Product teams and the procurement departments of the parent companies (Rivian and Volkswagen Group). This role is critical for defining and translating the technical and commercial requirements for direct materials and components (e.g., semiconductors, electronic control units, advanced sensors) into clear, comprehensive procurement packages. The Senior Manager will ensure that all technical specifications, quality standards, and timing requirements from the joint venture are accurately communicated and aligned with the sourcing strategies and processes of both parent companies, enabling them to conduct their individual procurement processes effectively.

Located in our Palo Alto, California office, this position offers a standard hybrid schedule with the expectation of being in the office three days a week.

Responsibilities

• Requirement Definition: Lead the process of gathering, documenting, and finalizing technical and commercial procurement requirements for direct materials in close collaboration with Engineering and R&D teams.
• Coordination and Translation: Act as the central point of contact for Direct Procurement activities, translating RV Tech's technical roadmaps and product requirements into actionable procurement requirements for the Rivian and Volkswagen Group procurement teams.
• Strategy Alignment: Ensure that defined procurement requirements and sourcing plans are aligned with the overarching direct material strategies of both parent companies and the joint venture's cost targets.
• Documentation & Handover: Create and maintain comprehensive Request for Information/Quotation (RFI/RFQ/RFP) packages, including statements of work, technical specifications, and key commercial terms, for handover to the parent company procurement organizations.
• Market Analysis Support: Support parent company procurement teams with unique insights into the automotive software/electronics supply base and technology landscape relevant to the joint venture's products.
• Timeline Management: Work closely with Program Management to track technical development milestones and ensure procurement requirement definitions are delivered on aggressive timelines to support vehicle program build plans.
• Negotiation Support: Provide commercial and technical guidance to the parent company procurement teams during complex contractual negotiations with suppliers.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or MBA degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering
• 7+ years of experience in technical sourcing, Direct Procurement, or Commodity Management, preferably in Semiconductors, Electronics, or Automotive
• Strong understanding of the electronics product development, supplier landscape in industrialization, and manufacturing processes
• Analytical skills, technical literacy, and attention to detail required to solve complex cross-functional issues
• Previous ERP systems (SAP/Coupa) and purchase order processing experience
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills required to cultivate ethical, productive vendor partnerships, supported by sound judgment and strategic foresight in negotiation and conflict resolution
• Self-starter able to operate with minimal instruction and thrive in an environment characterized by ambiguity and rapid change
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills with a proven ability to manage multiple, detailed projects simultaneously while consistently meeting strict deadlines
• Action-oriented and solution-driven team player experienced in managing global projects and collaborating effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams
• Flexibility to travel as required
  
  

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $149,700 - $187,100; (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.