Global Supply Chain Manager

Role Summary

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.

• Risk Management & Compliance

• 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.