Director, Supply Chain Operations
About The Position
What we’re building Every idea starts with a problem. Ours was simple: Boats are special — but they’re loud, pollutant, unreliable, and stuck in the past. Gas-powered boats dominate not because they’re great, but because no better option has existed. Until now. Arc is here to change that. We’re building 100% electric boats from the ground up — quicker, quieter, easier to maintain, and better for the water they ride on. We’re not just swapping gas for batteries. We’re rethinking every detail on the boat — from propulsion and powertrain to software and ownership model — applying first-principles engineering from aerospace and EVs to deliver a better boating experience. Electric boats haven’t taken over yet. The tech hasn’t been ready. The talent hasn’t been focused here. That’s our opportunity — and we’re moving fast. Who we’re looking for We’re looking for a Director of Supply Chain who is fired up by our mission and ready to build the function end-to-end at a fast-scaling hardware startup. This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll operate as both a strategic leader and a day-to-day operator — personally driving critical supplier decisions, building scalable systems, and developing a high-performing, lean team. You will be charged with ensuring Arc’s supply chain scales reliably as we ramp production across recreational (Sport, Coast) and commercial product lines. This is a full-time, on-site role at our Los Angeles headquarters. You’ll report to our Head of Operations and work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Finance as a key member of the Operations leadership team. You should be comfortable going deep — negotiating key contracts, resolving supply issues in real time, and building processes from first principles — while also stepping back to design the system that enables the company to scale. You’ll thrive here if you move quickly, take ownership without waiting for direction, and hold a high bar for both yourself and your team.
Requirements
- 8+ years of supply chain experience spanning procurement, planning, and/or logistics, with at least 4 years in a leadership role
- Experience sourcing and managing suppliers of complex electromechanical components (e.g., motors, power electronics, battery modules, or similar)
- Background in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments — startup or scale-up experience strongly preferred with a track record of building or significantly improving supply chain systems, processes, or teams
- Demonstrated ability to lead supplier contract negotiations, including terms, pricing, and SLAs
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain data management; comfort using data to drive decisions
- Proven ability to independently build and manage supply chain financial models, including inventory forecasting, purchase commitments, tariff exposure, and cash flow; able to provide clear, forward-looking visibility to leadership
- Strong ownership mindset — bias for action, accountability for outcomes, and willingness to go deep when needed
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the marine, EV, or adjacent high-performance hardware industries
- Familiarity with global inbound logistics and customs/import compliance
- Experience scaling a supply chain function through a production ramp
- Enthusiasm for boating and the water
Responsibilities
- Source and qualify suppliers across EV components and marine materials to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets
- Lead supplier negotiations (pricing, terms, agreements) and manage ongoing performance (scorecards, reviews)
- Build a resilient supply base (dual sourcing, lead time reduction, risk mitigation)
- Drive make vs. buy decisions and align supply chain to product roadmaps across the business
- Translating strategy into an operating model (roles, cadences, decision rights)
- Partnering with Engineering, Production and Finance to align assumptions and resolve cross-functional issues.
- Own demand translation into procurement and inventory strategy, balancing lead times, MOQs, and working capital
- Define and maintain inventory levels and warehouse operations (layout, systems, cycle counts)
- Manage inbound logistics, carrier relationships, and freight cost/reliability
- Own supply chain performance (OTD, inventory turns, forecast accuracy, supplier quality) and build the systems to support it
- Ensure data integrity and reporting across ERP/MRP systems
- Lead supply chain readiness for new products (sourcing, prototypes, risk assessment)
- Lead the development and execution of supply chain risk mitigation strategies, including supplier diversification, business continuity planning, and real-time disruption monitoring, to ensure supply resilience and maintain on-time delivery performance across a complex product portfolio.
- Build and lead a lean, high-performing team across procurement, planning, logistics, and warehouse
- Hire and develop talent with a high bar for ownership and output
- Establish clear structure and operating cadence as the team scales
- Operate as a player-coach, going deep when needed while building team capability
Benefits
- Ownership – Equity in Arc
- 99% employer-paid health coverage – Medical, dental, and vision
- Arc Water Fund – Annual stipend to get out on the water, however you choose
- Captain Training – Get certified to take the boat out with friends and family
- 401(k) access – Plan your future
- Semi-annual bonuses – Tied to your impact, not just your tenure
- Daily team lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
- Parental leave – Because family comes first
- Boat days – Yes, we actually go out on the water. A lot.
- A chance to define the future of boating
- The ability to drive positive environmental change through your work
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
