Director, Global Supply Management - Mechanicals

Skills this role screens for

About the role

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

The work

About the role

As Skydio is going through rapid growth and multiple new product introductions (NPI), the role will not only be leading from the trenches to ensure supply continuity but also do so cost effectively. The role will also have ownership of developing the company's Supply Chain and Sourcing processes and tools. Management and improvement of existing suppliers, as well as development of new suppliers with access to new technologies, will also be factors in this role. In addition, this role will build a resilient and scalable supply chain.

You’ll lead the Mechanical GSM teams, develop, and execute commodity sourcing strategies of increasing scale for high-quality drone mechanical components. Emphasis on sourcing high performing and advanced suppliers for Mechanical space. Leverage subject matter expertise and supplier landscape knowledge to be sound partners to PD. Understand manufacturing technologies and processes for precision custom mechanics (e.g., Custom Mechanicals from Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Die Casting, Metal Extrusions, Fasteners, Composites, Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding, and Precision Metal Stamping & Forming technologies, etc.)

To be a strategic leader of overall supply chain process and strategy development resulting in on time customer fulfillment, cost savings, efficient material inventories, capacity expansion, new product support and supply chain resilience. Provide the vision, strategy and creative solutions for addressing sourcing, procurement, forecasting, production and broader global supply chain issues for continued long-term success of Skydio.

Also

How you'll make an impact

• Provide strategic vision and direction to align global supply chain with short and long-term business objectives and product strategies.
• Align supplier selection, supplier geographic location and supply chain architecture to long term product and corporate goals.
• Direct team to manage commercial terms, should-cost modeling, inventories, and deliveries for a diverse array of components, materials and sub-assemblies, including injection molded parts, machined components, packaging, rubber, fasteners, etc.
• Develop component inventory strategies to support production and meet business objectives.
• Work across the broader Hardware Operations organization to ensure mechanical component delivery, production planning, manufacturing output, and fulfillment to meet on-time delivery.
• Work collaboratively with Hardware Engineering teams early in the design process to ensure components are cost-effective, manufacturable, and supply-secure at scale. You will maintain a tight feedback loop—balancing technical requirements with supplier capabilities, lead times, and risk so that design decisions support both performance and reliable execution.
• Establish a supplier assessment process, including quantitative measures, ratings and feedback for specific key criteria.
• Support long range capacity planning for sourcing decisions based on S&OP and pipeline scenarios.
• Work closely with Business Systems and other internal departments to continuously improve material and production planning methods, systems, and processes
• Hire, mentor and develop a diverse and high performing team.
• Set clear priorities and establish a culture of con