Stealth AI Startup
The Global Supply Chain Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end supply chain for a rapidly scaling global UAV manufacturer. This role owns the strategy, execution, and performance of global sourcing, supplier partnerships, factory operations, logistics, inventory, and fulfillment across a multi-continent footprint.
The ideal candidate has deep experience managing large-scale, international manufacturing networks, thrives in hyper-growth environments, and can navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of advanced UAV systems.
Key Responsibilities
Global Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a scalable global supply chain strategy aligned with company growth targets.
Build a multi-region manufacturing and supplier ecosystem to support high-volume production.
Establish KPIs, governance systems, and processes across global sites.
International Sourcing & Supplier Management
Lead supplier strategy for avionics, batteries, propulsion systems, RF components, composites, and precision mechanical parts.
Manage global Tier-1 to Tier-3 suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality.
Oversee global supplier negotiations, contract structures, and long-term commercial agreements.
Drive supplier performance improvement programs across cost, delivery, quality, and reliability.
Manufacturing & Factory-Level Oversight
Act as the primary operational interface between the company and its international contract manufacturers / internal factories.
Oversee readiness and throughput for worldwide production lines, ensuring capacity meets aggressive growth forecasts.
Manage factory-level KPIs: OEE, OTD, FPY, yield, scrap, throughput, and cost.
Support rapid NPI ramp-ups across multiple regions while maintaining stable volume production.
Drive process standardization and operational excellence across all manufacturing partners.
Global Production Planning & Inventory Management
Own Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) across global regions.
Convert demand signals into production plans and capacity strategies for multiple continents.
Optimize inventory across raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and regional hubs.
Mitigate long-lead risks in semiconductors, battery cells, RF components, and specialized UAV electronics.
International Logistics & Distribution
Lead global logistics strategy for inbound materials and outbound finished goods.
Manage international shipping constraints for UAV systems, lithium batteries (UN38.3), and controlled components.
Build and optimize a global distribution network (factories → regional hubs → customers).
Ensure compliance with customs, export regulations, and UAV transport standards across all jurisdictions.
Engineering, Quality & NPI Collaboration
Work closely with hardware, electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering on BOM stability and design decisions.
Integrate DFM/DFR practices early in new product designs.
Support EVT/DVT/PVT builds globally and ensure flawless NPI transitions into mass production.
Partner with quality teams to manage global audit programs, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
Map global supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, multi-geo redundancy, inventory strategy).
Ensure compliance with export controls (e.g., ITAR/EAR), aviation regulations, and ISO/AS standards.
Lead business continuity and geopolitical risk planning across global regions.
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of supply chain, manufacturing, or operations experience in hardware, aerospace, or electronics.
Experience managing high-volume, global supply chains with multi-continent production.
Strong understanding of complex electromechanical systems, preferably UAVs, aerospace hardware, or robotics.
Proven success scaling supply networks during rapid company growth.
Expertise in supplier leadership, contract negotiation, and factory performance management.
Strong analytical, cross-functional, and program management skills.
Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure in fast-evolving environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with UAVs, drones, aerospace, or defense manufacturing.
Background in both startup and large-scale manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with engineering BOM structures, ECNs, and NPI processes.
Knowledge of export controls and regulated supply chains.
Success Criteria
Global production reliably meets demand across all regions.
Supply availability for critical long-lead components remains stable.
Manufacturing network scales to support new platforms and high-volume growth.
Supplier quality and cost performance improve year over year.
NPI launches transition smoothly into global mass production.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The ideal candidate has deep experience managing large-scale, international manufacturing networks, thrives in hyper-growth environments, and can navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of advanced UAV systems.
Key Responsibilities
Global Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a scalable global supply chain strategy aligned with company growth targets.
Build a multi-region manufacturing and supplier ecosystem to support high-volume production.
Establish KPIs, governance systems, and processes across global sites.
International Sourcing & Supplier Management
Lead supplier strategy for avionics, batteries, propulsion systems, RF components, composites, and precision mechanical parts.
Manage global Tier-1 to Tier-3 suppliers, ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality.
Oversee global supplier negotiations, contract structures, and long-term commercial agreements.
Drive supplier performance improvement programs across cost, delivery, quality, and reliability.
Manufacturing & Factory-Level Oversight
Act as the primary operational interface between the company and its international contract manufacturers / internal factories.
Oversee readiness and throughput for worldwide production lines, ensuring capacity meets aggressive growth forecasts.
Manage factory-level KPIs: OEE, OTD, FPY, yield, scrap, throughput, and cost.
Support rapid NPI ramp-ups across multiple regions while maintaining stable volume production.
Drive process standardization and operational excellence across all manufacturing partners.
Global Production Planning & Inventory Management
Own Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) across global regions.
Convert demand signals into production plans and capacity strategies for multiple continents.
Optimize inventory across raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and regional hubs.
Mitigate long-lead risks in semiconductors, battery cells, RF components, and specialized UAV electronics.
International Logistics & Distribution
Lead global logistics strategy for inbound materials and outbound finished goods.
Manage international shipping constraints for UAV systems, lithium batteries (UN38.3), and controlled components.
Build and optimize a global distribution network (factories → regional hubs → customers).
Ensure compliance with customs, export regulations, and UAV transport standards across all jurisdictions.
Engineering, Quality & NPI Collaboration
Work closely with hardware, electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering on BOM stability and design decisions.
Integrate DFM/DFR practices early in new product designs.
Support EVT/DVT/PVT builds globally and ensure flawless NPI transitions into mass production.
Partner with quality teams to manage global audit programs, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
Map global supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans (dual sourcing, multi-geo redundancy, inventory strategy).
Ensure compliance with export controls (e.g., ITAR/EAR), aviation regulations, and ISO/AS standards.
Lead business continuity and geopolitical risk planning across global regions.
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of supply chain, manufacturing, or operations experience in hardware, aerospace, or electronics.
Experience managing high-volume, global supply chains with multi-continent production.
Strong understanding of complex electromechanical systems, preferably UAVs, aerospace hardware, or robotics.
Proven success scaling supply networks during rapid company growth.
Expertise in supplier leadership, contract negotiation, and factory performance management.
Strong analytical, cross-functional, and program management skills.
Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure in fast-evolving environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with UAVs, drones, aerospace, or defense manufacturing.
Background in both startup and large-scale manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with engineering BOM structures, ECNs, and NPI processes.
Knowledge of export controls and regulated supply chains.
Success Criteria
Global production reliably meets demand across all regions.
Supply availability for critical long-lead components remains stable.
Manufacturing network scales to support new platforms and high-volume growth.
Supplier quality and cost performance improve year over year.
NPI launches transition smoothly into global mass production.
#J-18808-Ljbffr