Supply Chain Manager
Job description
Supply Chain Manager at Heron Power.
About the role
You will define and own the category strategies for key components and assemblies that drive the Heron Link platform forward. You will achieve or exceed cost targets through data-driven should-cost modeling, market and commodity analysis, and disciplined negotiations with suppliers. You will lead RFx processes and negotiate commercial agreements, covering piece pricing, tooling/NRE, and critical contractual terms that protect the business. You will manage business risk through scenario assessment of capacity, geopolitics, logistics, and supplier technology and commercial roadmaps while actively partnering with engineering to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges. You will drive supplier readiness across prototype, pilot, and mass production builds to ensure smooth scale-up and launch execution for new products. You will develop and execute the logistics and warehousing strategy in close partnership with factory operations to optimize flow and reliability. You will escalate key supply, cost, and quality issues with partner teams and collaboratively develop corrective action plans to keep projects on track. You will foster a collaborative, enriching environment where continuous learning and first principles engineering accelerate personal, technical, and career growth for the team.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Define and own the category strategies for key components and assemblies that underpin Heron Power offerings.
- Achieve or exceed cost targets through rigorous should-cost modeling, market and commodity analysis, and disciplined negotiation tactics.
- Lead end-to-end RFx processes and negotiate commercial agreements, including piece pricing, tooling/NRE, and key contractual terms.
- Manage business risk through scenario assessment of capacity, geopolitics, logistics, and supplier technology and commercial roadmaps.
- Actively partner with the engineering team to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges across the product lifecycle.
- Drive supplier readiness across prototype, pilot, and mass production builds to ensure smooth scale-up and launch execution.
- Develop and execute the logistics and warehousing strategy in partnership with factory operations to optimize inbound and outbound flows.
- Escalate key supply, cost, and quality issues with partner teams and collaboratively develop corrective action plans to resolve gaps.
- Partner with Finance to model total cost of ownership, analyze trade-offs, and support decision-making for strategic purchases.
- Conduct supplier market mapping and competitive benchmarking to uncover opportunities and build a robust supply base.
- Collaborate with NPI and Manufacturing leaders to align sourcing strategies with production schedules and quality requirements.
- Track and report on key supply chain metrics to drive transparency and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Champion data-informed decisions, leveraging analysis to de-risk supply chain choices and support growth objectives.
- Contribute to the development of procurement policies and processes that enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in sourcing or procurement for high volume manufacturing in a technical environment.
- Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent experience that demonstrates relevant expertise.
- Deep category knowledge across mechanical components, electrical components such as PCB/PCBA, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills with a proven track record of securing favorable commercial terms.
- Experience leading cross-functional work-streams with engineering, operations, finance, legal, and NPI teams to drive alignment and execute sourcing strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders at all levels and navigate complex discussions.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally often with short notice to engage suppliers and partners.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment where priorities evolve and problem-solving is constant.
- Commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, collaboration, and ownership in all supply chain activities.
- Understanding of risk management principles and the ability to translate them into actionable supply chain strategies.
- Familiarity with manufacturing scale-up challenges and the role of supply chain in enabling successful launches.
Nice to have
- Extensive supply chain or manufacturing operations experience with power semiconductors, electronic components, injection molding, stamping, sheet metal fabrication, printed circuit board fab and assembly and adhesives.
- Prior supplier development supporting medium voltage (34.5kV) or grid-related power electronics, such as converters, switchgear, circuit breakers, dielectric materials, and bussing.
- Strong data analysis and visualization skills (Tableau, PowerBI, etc.) to derive insights and support strategic sourcing decisions.
Practical notes
- This is a full-time role based in Scotts Valley.
- The position requires domestic and international travel on a frequent basis, often with short notice.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the country where the role is based without requiring sponsorship unless explicitly stated.
- The scope and responsibilities of this role will scale with the capabilities and experience of the successful candidate.
If you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power.