Senior Business Operations Manager

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 to first responders , soldiers in battlefield scenarios , and beyond .

About the Role:

As a Senior Business Operations Manager in Skydio’s supply chain team, you will own, develop and execute Contract Manufacturing (CM) sourcing strategies, commercial negotiations, and cost management of increasing scale for high-quality companion products, attachments, and accessories. Additionally, you will own product cost management for Skydio’s Drones and Docks.

How you'll make an impact:

Strategic Sourcing:

• Early engagement with Skydio product management and Engineering teams to establish supply chain / manufacturing strategies

• Develop market analysis for manufacturing landscape globally and trends that provide business insights for supply chain optimization

• Sourcing potential CM partners, conduct RFI/RFQs, and drive selection process in close collaboration with cross-functional teams

• Negotiate master contract, SOW, and costs with CM/suppliers

• Establish and own program costs from NRE, tooling, equipment, and test

• Analyze, validate, and negotiate BOM (Bill-Of-Materials) costs by collaborating with GSMs and CM

• Drive forecast, materials management (such as CTB process), and supply plan commitments with CM/supplier

• Own procurement operations with CMs (POs, Invoices, etc.)

Cost Management

• Establish early product cost estimates, drive cost iterations and management throughout product life cycle from inception to development, and end of life

• Partner closely with GSMs, Hardware Operations teams, and Finance to understand key cost drivers, providing cost improvement measures across various Financial metrics

• Assist with developing a comprehensive cost optimization roadmap and own the data analysis and reporting for efficiency improvement initiatives

Strategy & Operations

• Develop supply chain map by collaborating Hardware Operations systems team

• Identify risks and opportunities in our supply chain for supply continuity

• Assist in developing supplier segmentation and implementation for driving optimized supply chain operations

What makes you a good fit:

• Strong practical knowledge and healthy enjoyment of manufacturing and supply chain

• Strength in establishing strategic partnerships and conduct complex negotiations

• Strength in Data Analytics and can thrive in data-driven culture

• Experience using cost models to define should-cost and negotiating price for sourcing and cost reduction

• Flexibility to work and achieve goals in a fast-paced start-up environment with an ability to adapt to changing circumstances

• Ability to understand strategic goals and effectively communicate detailed plans across various management levels as well as multiple regional and geographic locals

• Ability to prepare and present quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of sourcing strategies

• Ability to manage respective supplier relationships and performance, including but not limited to, dispute resolution

• Interest in keeping up with emerging technologies spanning consumer electronics, aerospace, and robotics

• Detail-oriented, team-oriented, with enthusiasm for learning new things. Interest in keeping up with emerging technologies spanning consumer electronics, aerospace, and robotics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong ethics and professionalism

• Technical degree and 5+ years relevant work experience

• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $139,000 - $198,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.