Global Supply Chain Manager

About Us

Saildrone is a defense company delivering maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products to military, homeland security, and commercial customers. Saildrone unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are extreme-endurance platforms equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI to provide persistent insights above and below the sea surface. Insights that support border security, law enforcement, undersea infrastructure protection, hydrography, and naval power applications. With more than 2,000,000 nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone USVs are trusted by governments across the planet and set the standard for cost-efficient maritime intelligence in the world's harshest environments.

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate missions worldwide. This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services, autonomy, and AI. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team delivering data, intelligence, and firepower for strategic superiority.

The Role

As a Global Supply Manager (GSM), you will oversee and optimize the end-to-end supply chain operations supporting the manufacturing and assembly of electric-mechanical assemblies. Your responsibilities will include managing suppliers, coordinating logistics, optimizing inventory, and ensuring that the supply chain runs efficiently and cost-effectively to meet business objectives. You will also work closely with internal teams such as procurement, production, and logistics to streamline processes and ensure the timely delivery of goods and services. The GSM will work directly with Engineering and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams providing supply chain details, like cost, supplier evaluation, lead times, and make/buy decisions. This position should view its customer as the Production organization and work to support production schedules, quality, and throughput. This position reports directly to the Sr. Manager of Supply Chain & Material Control.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning:
  Develop and implement global supply chain strategies to support business goals, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
• Supplier Management:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, manage vendor performance, and ensure compliance with quality standards. Actively manage supplier relationships, mitigate risk, and optimize for quality, lead times, and cost.
• Logistics & Distribution:
  Oversee global logistics operations including transportation, warehousing, and distribution, ensuring timely delivery while minimizing costs and risks.
• Inventory Management:
  Monitor and optimize global inventory levels, ensuring the right balance between availability and cost.
• Risk Management:
  Identify potential supply chain risks (e.g., geopolitical, environmental, and economic) and develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Liaise with cross-functional teams including procurement, production, engineering, and customer service to align supply chain activities with overall company objectives.
• Process Optimization:
  Implement best practices, continuous improvement initiatives, and supply chain technologies to streamline processes and increase operational efficiency. Manage and ensure proper BOM implementation from Engineering teams for final material release. Manage release levels and follow Engineering Change Management (ECOP) process ensuring proper material is available per agreed schedules.
• Compliance Sustainability:
  Ensure all supply chain activities comply with international regulations and sustainability standards.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Use data analytics to forecast demand, monitor supply chain performance, and provide regular reports to senior management. Work with Production Scheduling and Planning teams ensuring material availability and report any and all shortages with defined mitigations.
• Travel:
  As required, based on need to visit the supply base and confirm capabilities, problem-solving, and evaluations. All travel is approved by leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a global role.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain processes including procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., Netsuite, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across different cultures and geographies.
• Understanding of global trade regulations, compliance, and sustainability practices.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working with new product introductions, transitioning custom electromechanical designs from Engineering prototypes to production.
• Hands-on experience in any of the following: electrical engineering, PCBA sourcing, mechanical development, manufacturing practices/techniques involving CNC Machined parts, sheet metal, anodized aluminum, enclosures, jigs, tooling, and fixtures.
• Proven track record of negotiating pricing, cost reductions, RFQs, benchmarking and cost modeling.
• Ability to understand Engineering and Design direction and provide focused supply-chain solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in manufacturing, retail, or FMCG sectors.
• Knowledge of lean management or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in managing supply chains in emerging markets.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices. Must be comfortable in a manufacturing environment. This role will also require up to 10% travel annually, domestic and international.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.

Benefits:

• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
• Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Stock Options
• Annual stipend for continued learning and development
• Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
• Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
• Plenty of snacks in our 3 office locations
• Dog-friendly work environment

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London

Denmark to Field Unmanned Vessels for Monitoring Busy Shipping Routes – Defense News

Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border

Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.

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