Mandarin-Speaking Supplier Cost Specialist

Job#: 3054114
Job Description:
Mandarin-Speaking Technical Sourcing Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Mandarin-Speaking Technical Sourcing Specialist for a three-month contract assignment. This individual will work directly with suppliers across Asia to obtain accurate pricing, lead times, manufacturing information, and cost estimates.
The ideal candidate will be fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English and capable of discussing technical specifications, manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, and production capabilities with overseas suppliers. This person should have experience sourcing sheet metal components, CNC-machined parts, cable assemblies, and small mechanical or electromechanical box builds.
The successful candidate will also be comfortable working within Product Data Management and Product Lifecycle Management systems and using AI-enabled tools to accelerate cost-data analysis and supplier quote comparisons.
Key Responsibilities

• Communicate directly with suppliers across Asia in Mandarin and English to obtain quotations, lead times, production information, and manufacturing cost estimates.
• Discuss technical specifications, materials, tooling requirements, manufacturing processes, and production capabilities with suppliers in Mandarin.
• Source and evaluate pricing for:
  • Sheet metal components and assemblies
  • CNC-machined parts
  • Cable assemblies and related components
  • Small mechanical or electromechanical box builds
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications, revisions, and manufacturing documentation to support accurate supplier quotations.
• Translate technical conversations, supplier responses, and supporting documentation between Mandarin and English.
• Collect, organize, and compare supplier quotations, pricing details, lead times, and production capabilities.
• Identify key cost drivers, pricing discrepancies, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Use AI-enabled tools to accelerate quote comparisons, analyze cost data, identify pricing trends, and improve sourcing efficiency.
• Use PDM or PLM systems to access engineering drawings, BOMs, product revisions, and other technical documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, supply chain, and operations stakeholders to resolve supplier questions and validate quote requirements.
• Track quote requests and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely and complete responses.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier communications, pricing, quote status, and sourcing recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Professional fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English, both written and verbal.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical and manufacturing information in Mandarin.
• Experience working with Asian supply chains, overseas manufacturers, or contract manufacturing partners.
• Experience in technical sourcing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, supplier management, cost analysis, or a related function.
• Experience sourcing or supporting manufacturing requirements involving one or more of the following:
  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • CNC machining
  • Cable assemblies
  • Small mechanical or electromechanical box builds
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, bills of materials, manufacturing specifications, or supplier RFQ packages.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, production requirements, and key cost drivers.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to compare supplier quotes and interpret detailed cost information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related business applications.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple supplier requests.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively across different cultures and time zones.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PDM, PLM, or ERP systems, such as:
  • Agile PLM
  • Oracle
  • Siemens Teamcenter
  • PTC Windchill
  • Similar engineering or product-data platforms
• Experience using AI-enabled tools to:
  • Analyze supplier cost data
  • Compare quotations
  • Identify pricing trends or anomalies
  • Develop cost models
  • Summarize supplier information
  • Automate or improve sourcing workflows
• Experience supporting new product introduction, manufacturing engineering, cost engineering, or strategic sourcing activities.
• Experience evaluating supplier capabilities, capacity, quality, lead times, and manufacturing approaches.
• Background supporting hardware, electronics, robotics, industrial equipment, or other technical manufacturing environments.

Assignment Details

• Duration: Three-month contract
• Schedule: Full-time preferred
• Location: Remote or hybrid, based on business requirements

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate combines Mandarin language proficiency with hands-on experience in technical sourcing, manufacturing, and supplier management. They can confidently discuss technical requirements with Asian manufacturers, interpret engineering and product documentation, and evaluate supplier pricing for a variety of fabricated and assembled components.
Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
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