Supply Planning Manager, NPI

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Job Overview: We are looking for a Supply Planning Manager, NPI to manage and optimize the flow of materials, components, and information for our autonomous surface vessels. This individual will play a critical role in forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and supporting NPI and non-steady state operations. You will partner closely with engineering, procurement, program management, and suppliers to ensure material readiness while balancing cost, risk, and schedule in dynamic environments. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for maintaining our supply chain's integrity, meeting deadlines, and ensuring compliance with DoD regulations and standards. Responsibilities

Own and execute end-to-end tactical supply plans to support NPI builds, prototype phases, and transition-to-production for autonomous surface vessels.

Translate engineering demand, build schedules, and program milestones into executable material requirements within ERP/MRP systems, ensuring system-driven visibility and control.

Optimize factory planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, planning fences, reorder strategies) to improve material flow, reduce shortages, and support rapid design iteration.

Drive BOM maturity and change management execution by assessing material impact of ECOs, managing cut-ins/cut-outs, and minimizing excess and obsolete exposure.

Identify and mitigate material readiness risks related to design instability, supplier capacity constraints, long-lead components, and quality performance through structured risk registers and recovery plans.

Ensure accurate master data governance (BOMs, routings, planning attributes, supplier parameters) to enable reliable MRP outputs and production readiness signals.

Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement to align supply execution with build plans, capacity constraints, and program priorities.

Establish and monitor NPI material readiness metrics (shortage tracking, kit completeness, on-time-to-build, supplier OTD, inventory health) to drive daily execution and escalation.

Lead shortage resolution and recovery management, including root cause analysis, systemic corrective actions, and supplier coordination to protect build schedules.

Develop and standardize NPI supply planning processes, workflows, and system utilization to improve repeatability, scalability, and factory throughput.

Analyze supply chain performance data to identify systemic bottlenecks and implement process improvements that balance speed, cost, inventory exposure, and risk.

Support transition from NPI to rate production by stabilizing planning proesses, optimizing inventory strategy, and embedding scalable factory planning frameworks.

Ensure compliance with DoD program requirements, audit readiness, and traceability standards through disciplined documentation and system controls.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

5+ years of experience in supply chain planning or management, ideally in a manufacturing environment and 1+ years of experience with NPI Supply Planning (experience with defense or advanced technology products is a plus).

Strong knowledge of supply chain management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).

Experience with supply planning, with emphasis on new product introduction

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and agile environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve supply chain issues effectively.

Knowledge of DoD regulations, standards, and compliance requirements for defense-related manufacturing (preferred).

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic startup environment.