Director of Supply Chain

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

44d • Onsite

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to join our Operations team. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production, rapid scaling, and cost-effective delivery of Saildrone’s autonomous systems. This role owns end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution—from demand planning and sourcing to inventory, logistics, and supplier performance—directly impacting fleet readiness and mission success. We are looking for a senior operations leader who creates clarity from ambiguity, drives execution in fast-moving environments, and builds scalable systems that perform under real-world constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 7+ years of supply chain experience supporting complex manufacturing environments; startup or high-growth experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of senior-level people leadership experience, building teams and scalable processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in demand planning, procurement, inventory management, and supplier negotiations.
• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems such as NetSuite or SAP; experience with advanced analytics or Palantir Foundry is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs from concept through execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Clear, confident communicator with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to work on-site in Alameda, CA, with 10–15% travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning and material forecasting to support current and future production, field service, and R&D needs.
• Own end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and material control, meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Be accountable for inventory accuracy, material availability, supplier performance, and budget adherence.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance to manage engineering changes, new product introductions, and make/buy decisions.
• Establish and track supply chain KPIs; identify risks, constraints, and cost-reduction opportunities, and drive corrective actions.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiation (NDAs, SOWs, MPAs), and ongoing performance management in collaboration with Quality.
• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring safe, efficient receiving, storage, and line-side delivery.
• Utilize MRP and analytics tools to improve forecasting, planning accuracy, and decision-making; contribute to the development of advanced planning and AI-enabled tools.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing supply chain organization, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear, timely communication on supply chain status, risks, and priorities to executive leadership and cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director