Global Supply Chain Manager at Saildrone Alameda, CA

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.

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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s…