Sourcing Lead, Direct

Wing•Palo Alto, CA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Wing is seeking a Sourcing Lead, Direct to lead the strategy for hardware supply chain design and development, build and develop a team of global sourcing managers, and support Wing’s growth in partnership with engineering, operations, legal, and finance. The role is onsite in Palo Alto, California, and has broad influence across engineering, legal, finance, quality, manufacturing, product management, and other functions. The Sourcing Lead will help ensure hardware for Wing’s services is produced cost-effectively at scale, meets quality and compliance standards, and is delivered on time. The role requires comfort with both technical product-design discussions and factory operations for scaling mass production, alongside a strong commitment to team development. Wing designs, builds, and operates highly automated delivery aircraft and provides drone delivery services on two continents. It is part of Alphabet and aims to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. The company describes drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable approach to last-mile logistics. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $220,000–$234,000, plus bonus, equity, and benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location; a recruiter can provide details for the specific location during the hiring process.

Requirements

12+ years of experience developing and managing global supplier relationships and bringing high-volume products from concept to mass production.
5+ years of directly managing global supply chain teams.
Ability to address difficult conversations with peers, direct reports, and partners while maintaining trust and relationships.
Ability to adapt teaching, coaching, and mentoring to individual team members’ needs.
Ability to work across multiple cross-functional teams and projects, contribute informed detail-level input, and maintain focus on broader strategy and goals.
Ability and curiosity to learn and investigate technology and challenges quickly while maintaining operational execution pace.
Strong negotiation skills, including the ability to develop leverage for new technology and industry and coach a team through complex deals.
Deep experience structuring and negotiating legal frameworks for new IP development and licensing, Master Supply Agreements for scaled manufacturing, Capex investment schedules, and custom SOWs.
Skill in bottoms-up cost modeling and experience-based knowledge of cost structures for electromechanical commodities.
AI-forward approach, including automating work where possible to improve team productivity.
Experience scaling multiple products and leading teams through the differing requirements of product development stages, including proto, EVT, DVT, PVT, and mass production.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a technical field, such as mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering, is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in supply chain, manufacturing, military service, or consulting will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead commercial engagement and sourcing strategy for the hardware supply chain, including aircraft and ground infrastructure.
Evaluate the supplier portfolio and develop long-term strategies for commodities and technologies in support of Wing’s innovation roadmap.
Mentor and coach the team, and lead negotiations to secure favorable contractual terms and supplier pricing.
Partner with internal cross-functional teams, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to support assembly quality and manufacturability.
Work with engineering and other technical teams to select partners for design and development, from concept through mass production.
Develop and apply a consistent approach to supplier market research, qualification, and industrialization across hardware.
Assess and mitigate long-term supply chain risk, particularly in regulated markets.
Develop the team’s ability to build successful, long-term supplier relationships globally.
Build trust and establish lightweight, scalable processes with cross-functional teams.
Lead the balance of product requirements across development stages, including prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, and mass production.
Automate work where possible to increase team productivity.