Position Overview
We are a fast-paced hardware startup seeking an experienced and highly motivated Material Program Manager to join our growing team. As a Material Program Manager, you will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless flow of materials necessary to build our innovative products. Responsibilities will encompass Materials Planning, Clear to Build, Allocation, Executive reporting, Excess & Obsolete (E&O) analysis and projections, New Product Introduction Material readiness, Logistics readiness from Suppliers to Contract Manufacturers. Develop the strategic direction, goals, objectives and key measurement systems to ensure the business goals are met.

This is a critical role that requires a proactive individual with strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and an understanding of hardware development, procurement, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities:

Materials Planning:Drive material readiness for mass production builds, working with various teams (planning, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics) to identify and mitigate risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure program success.

• Manage material and procurement for new product introductions, through EVT, DVT, PVT and ensuring smooth transitions from development to manufacturing and adherence to project timelines.
• Work with suppliers and in region logistics partners to ensure parts are shipped using the most economical and streamlined methods.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to manage and report landed costs for product CBOM roll up and cost down opportunities.
• Track and manage long lead components for upcoming builds.
• Clear-to-Build (CTB) Analysis:

Conduct comprehensive CTB analyses to identify potential material shortages or roadblocks.

• Proactively communicate CTB status and risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies for identified material issues.
• Inventory Coordination:

Collaborate with the supply chain team and contract manufacturers to monitor inventory levels and optimize stock.

• Manage and plan common parts for use in a multi-SKU manufacturing environment.
• Ensure manufacturing partner’s Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems are up to date with current part lead times and pricing.
• Implement strategies to minimize excess and obsolete inventory.
• Reconcile inventory discrepancies and ensure accurate material records.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with engineering, product management, and operations teams to understand material requirements in support of new product introductions and post-ramp qualifications.

• Coordinate with contract manufacturers on material planning and delivery schedules.
• Participate in regular meetings to provide updates on material status and address any emerging issues.
• Upon Engineering Change Notice (ECN) events, verification of ECN implementation, track & audit E&O claims, report to Finance for financial reserves, and ensure timely resolution and closure of such claims/reserves.
• Collaborate with Finance on budget creation and forecast accuracy for material costs and supply chain expenses.
• Process Improvement:

Identify and implement opportunities to improve material planning, procurement, and inventory management processes.

• Develop and maintain documentation for material programs and procedures.
• Recommend process/integration improvements for Mill and manufacturer ERP inventory and planning platforms.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in material planning, project or program management, or supply chain roles within a hardware-focused industry.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle).
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with minimal supervision.
• Solid understanding of hardware development lifecycles and manufacturing processes.
• Passion to work in a fast-paced, evolving and result driven environment.
• Proven record of excellent communication, problem solving and digital tools.
• Learning agility to grow, contribute, and drive cross-functional excellence in a high-performance organization.
• Experience collaborating with contract manufacturers is highly desirable.

Bonus Points:

Familiarity with various supply chain models and risk

• Experience working with suppliers / manufacturers in Asia and North America.
• Flexibility in multi-tasking and scope change.
• Basic knowledge of transportation and logistics is a plus.