Supply Base Manager

VAST Data • New York, NY

2d

About The Position

VAST Data is seeking a Supply Base Manager to manage relationships with contract manufacturers (CMs) and hardware suppliers and align their work with organizational needs. The role oversees production readiness for new product launches, CM performance, production capacity and build planning, cost and process improvement, contract terms, and coordination across internal teams and suppliers. The position supports on-time shipments against customer request dates and lead times, tracks monthly CM fees through month- and quarter-end close, and manages POC refurbishment. Domestic and international travel of approximately 10–20% is expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations/Production Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 10–15 years of experience successfully managing contract manufacturers, with a deep understanding of supply chain processes and best practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and a process-oriented mindset.
• Ability to adapt and take on varied responsibilities in a dynamic, unstructured startup environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and deliver results under tight deadlines in a fast-paced startup setting.
• Strong interest in innovation and implementing ideas to improve operational processes and positively impact departments.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and willing to take ownership of tasks and projects.
• Ability to coordinate multiple project timelines while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, including using data-driven insights.
• Excellent communication skills in multi-language and multi-cultural environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 10–20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and manage relationships with contract manufacturers and hardware suppliers, aligning them with organizational needs and requirements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with CMs, ensuring clear communication and alignment on production goals, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Manage production readiness for new product launches with CMs, coordinating with internal cross-functional teams and manufacturers to meet go-to-market needs.
• Evaluate CM performance using quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency metrics; conduct regular reviews and drive improvement initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement in the CM supply chain, focusing on cost reduction, process optimization, and supply chain resilience.
• Implement industry best practices, lean methodologies, and process automation to improve operational efficiency.
• Manage contract negotiations, renewals, and amendments to secure terms aligned with organizational objectives.
• Evaluate CM capacity quarterly and collaborate with manufacturers and internal stakeholders on production capacity planning and allocation.
• Analyze demand forecasts, production requirements, and CM capacity to optimize production-volume allocation.
• Coordinate production schedule and capacity adjustments with CMs as demand changes.
• Manage CM build plans against engineering requirements, customer orders, and finished-goods levels to support on-time shipment against customer request dates and within lead times.
• Monitor and track monthly CM fees and manage them through month- and quarter-end close cadences.
• Manage POC refurbishment.
• Travel domestically and internationally, approximately 10–20% of the time, to engage with contract manufacturers and support global supply chain operations.

What This Job Offers

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