Senior Business Operations Manager

Skydio

Senior Business Operations Manager at Skydio developing sourcing strategies and managing operations in supply chain. Collaborating with product management and engineering teams for drone technologies.

Posted 5/12/2026full-timeSan Mateo • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $139,000 - $198,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own, develop and execute Contract Manufacturing (CM) sourcing strategies, commercial negotiations, and cost management
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.)
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
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong ethics and professionalism
Technical degree and 5+ years relevant work experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salaries
Equity in the form of stock options
Comprehensive benefits packages
Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles.
Paid vacation time
Sick leave
Holiday pay
401K savings plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

contract manufacturing sourcing strategiescommercial negotiationscost managementmarket analysisRFI/RFQBOM (Bill-Of-Materials) analysiscost modelsdata analyticsprocurement operationssupply chain optimization

Soft Skills

strategic partnershipscomplex negotiationsflexibilitycommunicationquantitative analysissupplier relationship managementdetail-orientedteam-orientedenthusiasm for learningprofessionalism

Certifications

technical degree