Senior Manager, Supply Chain Management

Senior Manager, Supply Chain ManagementOperationsFull TimeExemptHoustonWho We ArePersona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona AI's founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, and even roamed Disney Parks. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.About the RoleWe are seeking a seasoned Supply Chain Leader to design, build, and scale our end-to-end supply chain function from the ground up. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced supply chain leader who thrives on establishing infrastructure, processes, systems, metrics and teams in a start-up environment that has yet to create a formalized supply chain operation. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of building supply chain organizations, not just managing or maintaining an existing one. This candidate operates equally well at both strategic and tactical levels. This candidate also thrives in negotiations, contracts, metrics and mentoring. Key to success is the ability to transition product from development stage to volume manufacturing at hyper speed.What You Will Be Doing?Design the supply chain organization structure from scratch, including strategic sourcing, procurement, planning, and logistics.Develop strategy for supplier footprint, logistics, and warehousing to establish efficient, reliable, and repeatable delivery of product to Persona's manufacturing site.Establish process and metrics for supplier qualification to meet Persona's demanding plan for scale.Scrutinize suppliers' ability to repeatedly meet qualification levels as volume scales (Supplier Validation).Develop and maintain vendor partnerships; create scorecards for evaluation of supplier performance; manage RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ).Establish a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.Develop and execute a multi-year supply chain strategy aligned with business growth objectives.Lead make-vs-buy decisions and "risk buy" requirements.Implement an SOP process.Establish a warehousing strategy, including WMS selection, location, ownership, and logistics.Establish and communicate KPIs via a data collection strategy.Implement ISO certification and other industry compliance standards based on customer base and geographic locations (regulatory and compliance).Execute purchase orders for materials, components, and supplies needed for robotics manufacturing operations.Monitor and track all orders from placement through delivery, ensuring on-time receipt of materials.Expedite parts as required to keep the product schedule on track.Maintain optimal inventory levels, track stock levels, and coordinate with manufacturing to prevent shortages or excess inventory.Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with existing and potential suppliers to optimize cost and delivery.Analyze purchasing data andWhat We Are Looking ForBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)10+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environmentExperience buying mechanical, electrical, cables, circuit boards, and soft and hard materials/componentsUnderstanding of manufacturing processes and material requirements, ideally in electronics, robotics, or precision manufacturingProven ability to negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliersExperience implementing MSAs, SLAs, and NDAsProficiency with ERP systems, inventory management software, and procurement platformsStrong analytical abilities, with experience in cost analysis, data interpretation, and report generationExcellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple orders simultaneouslyAdvanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and inventory trackingExperience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) sourcing in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environmentExperience collaborating with engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) during early-stage sourcingBonus SkillsExperience working with actuatorsExperience sourcing servo motors, harmonic drives, or planetary gearboxesFamiliarity with precision bearings, encoders, or force/torque sensorsExperience procuring lithium-ion battery cells/packs and BMS componentsBackground sourcing custom cable harnesses and connectors for high-flex, high-cycle applicationsExperience with precision-machined, cast, or forged structural componentsExperience with dual-sourcing or supply risk mitigation strategies for constrained/allocated components (e.g., semiconductors)Familiarity with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) relevant to robotics hardwareExperience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 supplier quality requirementsExperience sourcing from Taiwan/China electronics manufacturing ecosystemsPersona AI is an Equal Opportunity EmployerAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.