Global Supply Manager

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

2d • $119,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a strategic Global Supply Manager to own end-to-end sourcing and supply chain strategy for critical commodities. The role bridges Engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Production to ensure high-quality products are delivered on time and at the right cost. The ideal candidate has hardware manufacturing experience, understands supplier capabilities, and can build supply chain processes in a startup environment.

The Supply Chain Team procures materials needed to build Saildrone’s drone fleet. In the national security and defense sector, the team scales the supply base and optimizes operations to meet business demand.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, or procurement.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as PCBAs, electromechanical systems, fabricated parts, wire harnessing, or composites, and ability to read technical drawings.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, fluid environment, building processes from scratch, and pivoting quickly.
• Experience with cost modeling, capacity planning, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Hands-on experience with PLM, ERP, and MRP systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data effectively to internal teams and suppliers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a hardware, electronics, or mechanical manufacturing startup.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that meet engineering requirements, quality standards, and scaling roadmaps.
• Partner with Hardware Engineering and Production during NPI to drive design for manufacturability and supply chain readiness.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, lead times, and terms; partner with Legal on NDAs, Master Supply Agreements, and Statements of Work.
• Develop and execute cost-reduction strategies, including should-cost modeling, Total Cost of Ownership analysis, and RFQ management to optimize Bill of Materials costs.
• Monitor global commodity conditions for disruptions and develop secondary sources and mitigation plans to maintain production.
• Build supplier partnerships and manage performance through regular business reviews focused on quality, delivery, and cost.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off accrual, annual holidays, and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with company contributions for employees and dependents.
• Equity grants.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options.
• Annual professional development reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

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