What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Manager position at thrively?
Supply Chain Manager
About the Company
Thrively is partnering with a well-funded deep-tech hardware startup developing cutting-edge optical and MEMS-based technologies that are redefining data movement for next-generation computing. Their products enable ultra-high-performance, low-power connectivity for large-scale AI and data center infrastructure.
The team combines expertise in silicon photonics, MEMS, ASICs, advanced packaging, and system integration, and is scaling rapidly as they transition from prototype to commercial production.
Role Overview
This is a foundational, hands-on Supply Chain Manager role (senior manager level) responsible for architecting the company’s end-to-end supply chain function from the ground up. You will own materials planning, forecasting, inventory, logistics, supplier oversight, and (most critically) the design and implementation of core operational systems (ERP, MES, PLM/ECC).
You will work closely with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management to build a resilient, scalable supply chain tightly integrated with hardware development and manufacturing workflows.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in zero-to-one environments and wants to build the supply chain foundation for a category-creating hardware company.
Key Responsibilities
A) Build Supply Chain Function
- Design, implement, and scale supply chain processes, workflows, and documentation.
- Develop a strategic roadmap for supply chain operations aligned with the company’s manufacturing ramp.
- Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for supply chain performance.
B) Systems Implementation (ERP, MES, PLM/ECC)
- Lead the implementation or expansion of ERP, MES, and PLM/ECC systems including configuration, process mapping, data governance, and integration with engineering workflows.
- Own system administration, documentation, and company-wide training.
- Implement revision control, traceability, and lifecycle management frameworks.
C) Materials Planning & Execution
- Build and maintain demand forecasts, safety stock models, build plans, and long-lead strategies.
- Own purchasing, PO management, and cost optimization for prototype and production materials.
- Oversee inbound/outbound logistics, warehousing, inventory, and materials traceability.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks (allocation, yield issues, capacity constraints, sole-source components).
D) NPI to Production Readiness
- Drive BOM accuracy, AVL management, ECO coordination, and hardware change control.
- Partner closely with engineering on build schedules and long-lead material planning.
- Ensure suppliers and manufacturing partners are prepared for yield, reliability, and scale requirements.
E) Supplier Ownership
- Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers across MEMS, silicon photonics, ASICs, optics, PCBA, and mechanical systems.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, capacity commitments, and supply agreements.
- Create and maintain vendor scorecards; lead quarterly reviews and corrective actions.
- Ensure suppliers meet quality, reliability, and manufacturability expectations.
Required Qualifications
- 8 years in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing within high-tech hardware (semiconductor, MEMS, silicon photonics, optics, or similar).
- Hands-on experience building supply chain processes in early-stage or rapidly scaling hardware companies.
- Practical experience implementing or managing ERP, MES, PLM, ECC systems.
- Deep expertise with Foundry/OSAT/CM management, outsourcing models, and supplier qualification.
- Strong understanding of NPI and hardware development cycles from prototype → pilot → production.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity and operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
- Excellent communication, vendor negotiation, and analytical skills.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with silicon photonics, MEMS fabrication, optical modules, or complex multi-disciplinary assemblies.
- Prior ownership of ground-up ERP/MES/PLM implementations.
- Startup operations buildout experience.
- Familiarity with reliability testing, manufacturing quality, and yield management.