Director of Supply Chain
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. The Supply Chain team is responsible for enabling Saildrone’s manufacturing, field operations, and product development through reliable material flow and strategic supplier partnerships. We focus on delivering resilient, scalable supply chain solutions that support global operations in a national security and defense environment. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Field Operations to align priorities and ensure seamless execution.
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
- Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
- Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
- Company sponsored life insurance
- Stock Options
- Annual stipend for continued learning and development
- Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
- Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
