Department:  Operations

Location:  Scotts Valley, CA

Universal Audio, Inc. is seeking an experienced and highly motivated VP of Operations (Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics) to join our exciting, fast-growing company. The VP of Operations (Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics) will manage and lead the following key functions of Operations: Materials procurement, Supply Planning, Logistics and 3PL Management, Quality, Manufacturing & Test Engineering, internal Manufacturing, Reverse Logistics & Repairs.

This management position will also work closely with cross-functional teams that include Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Finance. The perfect candidate will have a blend of technical experience and business acumen. This position reports to the CFO and is based at our headquarters in Scotts Valley, CA.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive product cost reductions through design and regular negotiation
• Adopt 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
• Find alternate component sources to minimize risk and to support cost reduction and quality improvements
• 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 personal characteristics: - Persistent, tenacious, curious, proactive, inspiring, adaptable, flexible, courageous, sense of urgency, empathetic, energetic, self-aware, innovative, resilient

Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience in Procurement and Supply Chain.

UA Salary Range/Hourly Rate of Pay:  California Salary Range = $190K - $230K

Base salary/hourly rate of pay will be based on the cost of labor for the city/state in which the new hire resides, at the time of hire.

UA offers competitive benefits:  Profit sharing, Medical/Dental/Vision, 401K Safe Harbor Contribution, Stock Options, Flexible time-off (PTO/Sick Leave/Company Holiday Time-off), etc.

UA Mission:  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.

UA Vision:  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. The best home, project, and professional studios will feature most of the UA equipment from floor to ceiling — ranging from audio interfaces and guitar gear to microphones and software — all of it working together to deliver unrivaled sonics and operational symphony. Our customers will eagerly await each new UA product like a hit record or blockbuster movie, trusting that it may spark them to create the best music of their lives. In doing so, UA will become revered worldwide as the way that music is made.

Universal Audio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. UA also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on these protected categories.