Manufacturing Partner Manager

Manufacturing Partner ManagerDepartment: Supply Chain & Manufacturing Operations
Position OverviewWe are seeking a Manufacturing Partner Manager to manage external manufacturing relationships and support the reliable, cost-effective delivery of technology hardware products. This role will connect manufacturing partners with internal teams, balancing day-to-day execution with longer-term supply chain priorities. The ideal candidate combines commercial judgment, analytical skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions.
Key ResponsibilitiesManage manufacturing partner relationships. Serve as a key point of contact for external partners, align expectations with business priorities, and conduct performance reviews to address issues and track commitments.Drive cost management and negotiations. Evaluate product costs, support material and production budgets, and negotiate pricing and commercial terms. Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Engineering to identify savings opportunities and manage spending. Support supply continuity and material readiness. Coordinate purchasing and material requirements with manufacturing, procurement, and business teams. Monitor inventory levels, identify shortages, and drive resolution of supply constraints that could affect production or customer commitments. Coordinate production launches and product transitions. Work with Engineering, Program Management, and manufacturing partners to support new product introductions, engineering changes, and lifecycle transitions. Track milestones and ensure manufacturing requirements are addressed before production release. Manage operational risk. Identify supplier dependencies and potential disruptions, coordinate mitigation actions, and support business continuity planning. Ensure partner activities follow established procurement processes and internal control requirements. Lead cross-functional improvements and reporting. Bring together internal teams and external partners to resolve operational roadblocks and improve quality, cost, and delivery performance. Communicate program status, risks, action plans, and decisions needed from leadership.
QualificationsThe following qualifications are proposed for this draft and should be validated against the final scope.Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.Eight or more years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or manufacturing operations, including direct responsibility for external manufacturing or supplier relationships.Understanding of contract manufacturer, original design manufacturer, and joint design manufacturer operating models, including requests for quotation and commercial negotiations.Strong knowledge of material planning, forecasting, component lead times, supply risks, and product cost analysis.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong presentation skills, with the ability to translate operational and financial data into actionable recommendations.Strong negotiation, communication, project coordination, and stakeholder management skills, including professional proficiency in English.
Preferred BackgroundExperience supporting electronics, networking equipment, or enterprise hardware manufacturing is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and achieve results through cross-functional collaboration rather than direct authority.
Success in This RoleSuccess will be demonstrated through dependable partner execution, timely resolution of supply issues, disciplined cost management, successful product transitions, and clear accountability for operational improvement.