Head of Operations

What You'll Own

• Production & Manufacturing
  • Own end-to-end production operations across all current and future Podium facilities, with full accountability for output, quality, and throughput
  • Build and continuously improve manufacturing processes, workflows, and quality systems as we scale from early production to high-volume operations
  • Recruit, develop, and lead a world-class operations team including facility general managers, production supervisors, and technicians
  • Partner with engineering to drive DFM (design for manufacturability) and ensure a tight feedback loop between product and production
• Supply Chain & Procurement
  • Lead all procurement and sourcing for components, materials, and equipment — managing vendor relationships from selection through ongoing performance
  • Drive strategic vendor negotiations to optimize cost, lead time, and supply reliability as our volumes grow
  • Build resilient supply chain systems that can absorb disruptions and support rapid product iteration
  • Develop and manage inventory strategies, demand planning, and materials forecasting
• Facilities & Expansion
  • Own site selection and buildout for new manufacturing facilities as Podium expands geographically
  • Develop the criteria, process, and execution plan for evaluating and standing up new production sites
  • Manage relationships with landlords, contractors, and local stakeholders across all facilities
  • Ensure all sites meet safety, compliance, and operational standards

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or related sectors
• Demonstrated track record scaling manufacturing operations — you've taken a facility or production line from early-stage to meaningful volume
• Deep expertise in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and vendor negotiation in a hardware context
• Experience selecting and standing up new manufacturing facilities or sites
• Strong people leader who can build teams, develop talent, and operate effectively across hourly and salaried workforces
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and a startup environment — you're able to define the playbook, not just execute one
• Analytical and data-driven; able to define and track operational KPIs and make decisions grounded in metrics
• Excellent cross-functional collaborator with engineering, finance, and leadership
• Background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies