VP of Operations (Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics)

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated VP of Operations to lead our procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics functions.

About the Role

This management position will manage and lead key functions of operations, including materials procurement, supply planning, logistics and 3PL management, quality, manufacturing & test engineering, internal manufacturing, reverse logistics & repairs. The perfect candidate will have a blend of technical experience and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive product cost reductions through design and regular negotiation
• Absorb best-in-class supply planning techniques and processes
• Drive continuous improvement across all areas of supply chain
• Build, develop and motivate a best-in-class global supply chain team
• Leverage technology to help the team become more efficient and productive
• Set the right balance between single source volume discounts vs. supplier diversification
• Ensure a smooth transition from NPI to Production release by preparing the supply chain and ensuring no shortages, delays, or quality issues
• Build excellent relationships with internal partners in Sales, Finance etc.
• Develop KPIs and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the organization
• Lead quarterly business reviews with suppliers, maintain supplier scorecards, drive performance improvement plans
• Lead and drive complex projects, implement rapid solutions, and work successfully cross-functionally to exceed corporate objectives
• Meet/exceed goals for quality, delivery, and inventory performance
• Minimize PPV, Scrap, Expedite fees, Excess & Obsolete inventory
• Implement internal controls and appropriate diversification strategies to mitigate risk
• Partner with engineering to design cost-efficient products
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with vendors
• Optimize investment in both raw materials and finished goods inventory
• Conduct market research to track industry cost trends; leverage benchmarking to ensure best-in-class cost is achieved
• Drive accountability across supply chain - both internal and external
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental legislation
• Devise AI adoption strategy for supply chain

Qualifications

• Experience as a Procurement and Supply Chain leader for a global consumer electronics company (experience in the musical instruments space a plus)
• Extensive experience partnering with offshore Contract Manufacturers
• Experience working with offshore Original Design Manufacturers
• Experience in implementing a direct-to-consumer sales channel for electronics products
• Experience with Netsuite/other ERP tool
• Expert contract and supply chain cost negotiator
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
• Track record of building highly engaged and effective teams
• Proven past success in change management
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Business process and/or application configuration knowledge with supply chain
• Knowledge of customs duties and tariffs and appropriate mitigation strategies

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• Persistent, tenacious, curious, proactive, inspiring, adaptable, flexible, courageous, sense of urgency, empathetic, energetic, self-aware, innovative, resilient

What We Offer

We offer competitive benefits, including profit sharing, medical/dental/vision, 401K safe harbor contribution, stock options, flexible time-off (PTO/sick leave/company holiday time-off), etc.

Universal Audio Mission and Vision

We exist to thrill and inspire music makers everywhere with timeless sound and impeccable craftsmanship, freeing the songs inside and allowing you to sound like the records you love. In the future, music makers around the world will trust Universal Audio as a friend and creative partner, inspiring them to craft amazing records as naturally as playing their first instrument or singing their favorite song.