Hardware Procurement Manager

The Hardware Procurement Manager owns purchasing and material readiness for builds. The role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing hardware materials and components to meet necessary deadlines, quality standards and cost targets for all VotingWorks products, 350 500 SKUs. The role manages vendor relationships, monitors inventory levels, and supports production, engineering, and operations through timely procurement.

The Hardware Procurement Manager owns the MRP and its processes, publishes a weekly build-readiness and shortage report so risk is clearly visible and actionable. They ensure inventory levels are accurate, coordinate build dates with Hardware and Product leads, and partner with Ops on inventory spend, ensuring accurate cash forecasting. Success is on-time builds with no surprises with accurate spend forecasts.

• Inventory management:
  
  • Collaborate with production, procurement, and logistics to determine build dates.
  • Source and purchase hardware materials and parts to meet production needs, including custom manufactured parts.
  • Manage procurement timelines and maintain status reports to communicate current procurement completion rates to Hardware and Product leads.
  • Determine ideal purchase quantity for all parts based on demand forecasts and fallout estimates.
  • Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with the production team to maintain proper stock.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
• Vendor management:
  
  • Evaluate supplier options and negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and performance.
  • Track open orders and follow up with suppliers to avoid delays or shortages.
  • With guidance from the Hardware team, resolve issues related to defective materials, late arrivals, or noncompliant shipments.
• Own MRP system processes and accuracy:
  
  • Oversee daily operation and maintenance of the MRP system to ensure accurate production planning and inventory management.
  • Configure and update MRP system parameters, including unit cost, lead times, reorder points, and safety stock levels.
    
    • Monitor system data integrity and troubleshoot discrepancies between actual inventory and system records.
    • Develop and maintain documentation of MRP processes, workflows, and system configurations.
• Analyze market trends, pricing changes, and supply chain risks and make informed recommendations to Hardware and Product teams.

• 5-7 years experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain.
• Familiarity with hardware components, materials, and related specifications.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Competence with MRP or purchasing systems.
• Solid communication and organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Excels at making order from chaos.
• Comfortable building processes from scratch and enforcing organizational adherence.

Nice to Have

• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or hardware distribution.
• Ability to read technical drawings or understand engineering requirements is preferred.