Robotics, Maritime, Defense & Space, Environmental Services, Software

Global Supply Manager

Alameda, CAOnsiteFull TimeManager / Head$119,000–$140,000 /yrPosted 11 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

strategic sourcing
supply chain management
procurement
hardware manufacturing
supplier capabilities
NPI
design-for-manufacturability
DFM
negotiations
pricing

Nice to have

startup setting
fluid
pivot quickly

Role summary

Seeking a Global Supply Manager for a defense sector startup to own end-to-end sourcing and supply chain strategy for critical hardware commodities. This role involves identifying and onboarding suppliers, collaborating with Engineering and Production on NPI and DFM, leading negotiations, managing costs through modeling and RFQs, mitigating supply chain risks, and building strong supplier relationships. Requires 6+ years of experience in strategic sourcing/supply chain, technical aptitude in manufacturing processes, financial acumen, and fluency with PLM, ERP, and MRP systems. The position emphasizes building processes in a fast-paced startup environment and requires strong communication skills.

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Global Supply Manager (GSM) to join our supply chain team. As a GSM, you will own the end-to-end sourcing and supply chain strategy for critical commodities. You will be the bridge between our Engineering, NPI (New Product Introduction), and Production teams, ensuring that we deliver high-quality products on time and at the right cost.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in hardware manufacturing, a deep understanding of supplier capabilities, and the hustle required to build supply chain processes from the ground up in a startup setting.

THE TEAM

The Supply Chain Team procures the essential materials required to build our drone fleet. Operating within the high-stakes national security and defense sector, we are dedicated to scaling our supply base and optimizing operations to meet the growing demands of the business.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers that align with our engineering requirements, quality standards, and scaling roadmaps.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Hardware Engineering and Production teams during the NPI phase to drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and ensure supply chain readiness.

Negotiation & Contracting: Lead complex negotiations for pricing, lead times, and terms. Partner with Legal to establish NDAs, Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).

Cost Management: Develop and execute cost-reduction strategies. Perform "should-cost" modeling, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis, and manage RFQs to optimize our Bill of Materials (BOM) costs.

Risk Mitigation: Monitor the global commodity landscape for potential disruptions. Proactively develop secondary sources and risk-mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted production.

Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong partnerships with supplier executive teams. Drive supplier performance through regular business reviews (QBRs) focusing on quality, delivery, and cost metrics.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 6+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, or procurement, preferably within a hardware, electronics, or mechanical manufacturing startup.

Technical Aptitude: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., PCBAs, electromechanical systems, fabricated parts, wire harnessing, or composites) and the ability to read technical drawings.

Startup DNA: Comfortable working in a fluid, fast-paced environment where you may need to build processes from scratch and pivot quickly.

Financial Acumen: Deep experience with cost modeling, capacity planning, and navigating "make vs. buy" decisions.

Systems Fluency: Hands-on experience working with PLM, ERP, and MRP systems.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting complex data effectively to internal teams and external suppliers.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs as needed.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range$119,000—$140,000 USD

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.

Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.

Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.

Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.

Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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