Manager, Supply Chain, Vehicle Exteriors & Plastics

Description:
We are looking for an experienced, people-first Manager to lead the Vehicle Exteriors & Plastics Supply Chain team at Tesla. You will lead a team of supply chain professionals managing the sourcing, supplier relationships, and program execution for exterior and plastic commodities across Tesla's vehicle programs. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Plastics SCM, you will set strategic direction, develop talent, and own the cost, quality, supply assurance, and program launch performance of one of Tesla's most visible and high-spend commodity areas.
In this fast-paced, mission-driven environment, you will inspire and develop your team to deliver aggressive cost, quality, and program objectives while maintaining strong cross-functional partnerships with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Program Management. You will represent the SCM organization in executive reviews, lead strategic supplier relationships, and drive the supply base strategy for the team. This is an opportunity to scale a high-performing team, develop the next generation of SCM leaders, and shape the future of Tesla's vehicle exteriors and plastics supply base - including the introduction of new composite content on upcoming programs.

Responsibilities:
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Supply Chain Managers across multiple programs and product lines; set clear expectations, run high-signal 1:1s, give frequent feedback, and grow the next generation of SCM leaders. Build, hire, and retain a diverse, high-performing team; manage workload, capacity, and team-level career growth

Set the strategic direction for vehicle exteriors and plastics sourcing - including supplier exploration, supplier consolidation, regional footprint, dual-sourcing, vertical integration, and capacity planning to support Tesla's long-term volume ramp

Drive aggressive cost reduction and savings targets while protecting quality, supply assurance, and on-time program launches. Own executive-level supplier relationships - escalations, QBRs, joint development efforts, capacity commitments, and strategic partnerships

Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Program Management, and Logistics to align supply chain execution with the product roadmap

Lead negotiation of complex commercial agreements (PPA, GTC, capacity, tooling) and resolve high-stakes supplier issues with the right balance of relationship and outcome. Proactively identify supply, quality, or capacity risks across the Vehicle Exteriors & Plastics commodity and lead the cross-functional response

Run operational excellence initiatives across the team - workload assessment, tool adoption, process improvements, and cadence reviews

Support the introduction of composite content on emerging programs, partnering with Engineering on supplier selection, qualification, and ramp planning. Represent SCM in cross-functional executive forums, program milestone reviews, and supplier strategy presentations to senior leadership

Requirements:
Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or evidence of exceptional ability, or equivalent experience
8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or commodity management, with at least 3 years directly managing people. Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams of 5+ direct reports in a high-growth, fast-changing, or transformation environment
Strong industrial background in vehicle exteriors and plastics manufacturing - fascias, body panels, exterior trim, paint, injection molding, structural foam, blow molding, in-mold decoration, or related processes - with deep understanding of tooling, resin economics, secondary operations, and high-volume manufacturing
Exceptional communication skills - able to influence executives, engineers, and suppliers with clarity, conviction, and data; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and negotiating across cultures and time zones. Track record of building strong, collaborative partnerships with cross-functional stakeholders including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance
Proven people leadership - hiring strong talent, developing high performers, managing underperformance constructively, and building an inclusive team culture
Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing supplier escalations to resolution. Strong business and financial acumen - comfortable with should-cost analysis, capex modeling, and total cost of ownership decisions
Automotive or other high-volume manufacturing experience strongly preferred; exposure to composites (carbon fiber, fiberglass, SMC, or related) a plus but not required
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to suppliers and manufacturing sites

Compensation & Benefits:
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program

Expected Compensation
$112,000 - $204,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.