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Director of Purchasing

Remote

Luminar is a global automotive technology company ushering in a new era of vehicle safety and autonomy. For the past decade, Luminar has built an advanced hardware and software/AI platform to enable its more than 50 industry partners, including the majority of global automotive OEMs. From consumer vehicle programs with Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz to technology partnerships including NVIDIA and Mobileye, Luminar is poised to be the first automotive technology company to enable next-generation safety and autonomous capabilities for global production vehicles. 

For more information, please visit www.luminartech.com.

Team Overview

Luminar Technologies is seeking an experienced Director of Purchasing to lead our global sourcing strategy for cutting-edge LiDAR systems. This role requires deep expertise in complex supply chain management across multiple disciplines including contract manufacturing, precision mechanical components, advanced optical systems, and electronic assemblies. The successful candidate will drive cost optimization, quality assurance, and supply chain resilience while managing a distributed sourcing team including third-party resources in China.

Responsibilities 

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

  • Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for LiDAR system components including mechanical parts, optical components, PCBAs, and electronic assemblies
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard contract manufacturing partners capable of meeting Luminar's quality, volume, and cost requirements
  • Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships across global markets, with particular focus on Asia-Pacific suppliers
  • Lead supplier audits, capability assessments, and performance reviews to ensure alignment with company standards
  • Negotiate complex contracts, pricing agreements, and service level agreements with key suppliers

Team Leadership & Management

  • Manage and coordinate with third-party sourcing team located in China, ensuring alignment with company objectives and processes
  • Provide strategic direction and performance management for remote team members
  • Establish clear communication protocols and reporting structures across time zones
  • Foster collaboration between internal teams and external sourcing partners
  • Develop local sourcing capabilities and market intelligence in key manufacturing regions

Supply Chain Optimization

  • Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery performance standards
  • Implement risk mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions and single-source dependencies
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators for supplier performance, cost savings, and delivery metrics
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) processes through early supplier engagement and sourcing planning

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Finance teams to align sourcing decisions with business objectives
  • Support product development teams with component selection, supplier recommendations, and cost modeling
  • Work closely with Quality Assurance to establish supplier quality requirements and inspection protocols
  • Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams on contract negotiations and regulatory requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement

Leadership & Communication

  • Demonstrated experience managing remote and international teams
  • Strong negotiation skills with proven track record of cost savings and contract optimization
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
  • Cultural sensitivity and experience working across diverse international markets
  • Fluency in English required; Mandarin Chinese proficiency preferred

Core Competencies

  • Strategic thinking with ability to balance short-term needs and long-term objectives
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Risk management and contingency planning expertise
  • Project management skills with ability to handle multiple complex initiatives
  • Results-oriented mindset with focus on continuous improvement

Technical Skills

  • Deep understanding of contract manufacturing processes and supplier qualification
  • Knowledge of electronic components, PCBAs, mechanical assemblies, and optical systems
  • Familiarity with automotive industry standards and requirements (preferred)
  • Proficiency in ERP systems, sourcing tools, and data analysis platforms
  • Understanding of international trade regulations, customs, and logistics
  • Proven experience managing suppliers in Asia, particularly China
  • Experience with optical components, precision mechanics, or LiDAR/sensor technologies preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management, or equivalent)
  • Experience in autonomous vehicle, robotics, or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) industries
  • Knowledge of LiDAR technology, laser systems, or photonics
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar professional certification
  • Experience with lean manufacturing principles and value engineering

 

 

Luminar is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We will make a reasonable accommodation for any qualified applicant with a disability, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation and that the accommodation would not impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please let us know if you believe you require reasonable accommodation, or if you would like assistance to complete an application or to participate in an interview at the company.

 

At Luminar, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays a base between $150,000.00 and $209,000.00* per year. Within this range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. You will also be eligible to receive other benefits including: equity in the form of restricted stock unit awards, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement for formal education related to advancing your career at Luminar. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire and schedule type.*Note that the pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting.

 

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