Mill is all about answering a simple question: how can we prevent waste? Less waste can save time, money, energy, maybe even our planet. And there’s no better place to start than food. Food waste is one of the most solvable climate problems facing us today. Plus, our trash really stinks. It’s gross, heavy, and our least favorite chore. At Mill we are striving to build a better environment for all, as we take on climate and kitchen change.
As Mill’s Global Supply Manager you will be responsible for driving supplier management and business activities for complex mechanical commodities and ensuring that Mill’s hardware products meet our high quality bar for longterm device performance. You will work closely with Mill’s Hardware Engineering team during the product development process to ensure that our mechanical suppliers are prepared to deliver new products to market on-time, at specified quality parameters and at the lowest possible total cost. This is a hands-on role but also includes strategic analysis and managing third parties to ensure complete coverage.
Responsibilities:
- Develop Mechanical Supplier Sourcing Strategy which ensures that our supply base is capable of meeting Mill’s current and future technical and business requirements.
- Continually benchmark the mechanical industry to monitor cost and technology trends and ensure best practices are incorporated into the Mill supply chain.
- Drive Early Supplier Involvement initiatives to ensure our mechanical suppliers are proactively providing input into new product designs and future product roadmaps.
- Establish mechanical supplier selection criteria, evaluate alternative suppliers, manage the RFQ process, and drive final supplier selection in partnership with Hardware Engineering and Engineering Program Management.
- Negotiate volume purchase agreements with mechanical suppliers to establish best-in-class pricing, flexibility, quality, delivery, payment, warranty and service terms. Set clear cost reduction expectations and manage execution.
- Determine appropriate business splits between dual sources where appropriate, and ensure conformance to agreed upon business splits with our CM partner.
- Formulate contingency plans to de-risk technical challenges, long lead time, single source and non-cancellable/non-returnable (NCNR) supply issues.
- Develop and implement supplier performance measurement systems and conduct periodic supplier business reviews with management.
- Institute programs to optimize schedule flexibility while minimizing excess inventory exposure.
- Critical member supporting the Total Cost Reduction program to ensure the lowest possible total cost, including product cost, transportation cost, inventory cost and cost of quality.
- Work with Factory Operations and our Contract Manufacturing partners to resolve any chronic part shortage or quality problems which are affecting production schedules.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 10+ years work experience in Supply Chain, Procurement or related disciplines.
- Strong technical background, with an ability to quickly understand various aspects of product design, and manufacturing processes necessary to materialize a design.
- Hands-on experience in multiple of the following: mechanical engineering, mechanical development, packaging development, cable development, manufacturing practices/techniques involving CNC Machined parts, sheet metal, enclosures, casings, jigs, tooling, fixtures, injection molding, plastic parts, cable extrusions, cable assemblies etc.
- Ability to challenge the engineering teams on requirements & specifications, and suggest alternate designs and processes that meet design requirements and cost & supply targets.
- In-depth background in supplier evaluation/selection, contract negotiation and supply base management.
- Strong leadership, program management and cross-functional teamwork skills.
- Excellent communications skills with ability to influence all levels of management.
- Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $142k to $183k, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, market conditions, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and business and organizational needs. At Mill, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role.
