Supply Chain Manager, CapEx, Optimus Plastics Tooling

About the role

Supply Chain Manager, CapEx, Optimus Plastics Tooling | Tesla (Supply Chain)

Location: Austin, Texas | Req ID: 278735 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

We are seeking a Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Supply Chain Manager focused on plastics tooling to lead global sourcing and supplier execution for injection molding tooling in direct support of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot program and internal plastics manufacturing.

This role pairs deep technical knowledge of plastic injection molding tooling with commercial sourcing—partnering with Tooling Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality on build, tryout, validation, and ramp while owning supplier assessments, supplier quote validation, should-cost analysis, and tooling cost estimation.

Tooling Engineering retains design release and validation sign-off; you drive supplier-facing technical and commercial execution. Reporting to the Group Manager, you ensure alignment on cost, quality, and schedule in a fast-moving Optimus program.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end sourcing of precision injection molding molds. Execute global sourcing strategies, including supplier identification, benchmarking, and capacity planning
• Drive high-stakes commercial negotiations (pricing, contracts, scope, and change management) to achieve best total cost and terms across the supply base
• Own CapEx project execution, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and proactive risk mitigation
• Build and leverage should-cost models to perform rigorous cost analysis of supplier proposals
• Manage and elevate supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, and innovation. Validate supplier tooling quotes for technical scope, completeness, and commercial assumptions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Tooling Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Operations to ensure seamless program execution
• Run should-cost analysis and tooling cost estimation to benchmark proposals and support negotiation and award decisions

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical, Plastics, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience and evidence of exceptional ability
• 5+ years of technical experience in plastic injection molding tooling (tooling/mold engineering, mold build, tooling supplier technical roles, or manufacturing engineering with primary focus on IM tooling validation and supplier technical issues)
• 5+ years of experience in supplier management for production tooling (injection molding tooling preferred) within a high-complexity, high-volume manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to validate supplier quotes and perform tooling cost estimation and should-cost / cost breakdown analysis on mold and tooling proposals
• Ability to work from tooling drawings, steel layouts, and validation plans with Tooling Engineering and suppliers. Proven track record leading commercial negotiations
• Experience with quality and launch discipline (APQP/PPAP or equivalent) and supplier performance in NPI/ramp
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost reductions, schedule adherence, and supplier performance improvements in a fast-paced, first-of-its-kind program