United States onlyAt Framework, we believe the time has come for products that are designed to last. Founded in San Francisco in 2019, our mission is to remake Consumer Electronics to respect people and the planet.
We've started with two award-winning products, the Framework Laptop 13 and 16. Our laptops are thin, light, high-performance notebooks that can be upgraded, customized, and repaired in ways that no other notebook can. Alongside this, we've launched the Framework Marketplace to enable an ecosystem of parts and modules. We've seen a fantastic reception to both of our laptops from customers and reviewers from outlets like Linus Tech Tips, Ars Technica, and multiple Wirecutter reviews (including a recommendation among the best Windows Ultrabooks of 2024), along with making TIME's Best Inventions lists in 2021 and 2023. As a company, we were #35 on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2022.
We come from successful consumer electronics startups including the founding team of Oculus, and have closed multiple rounds of funding to fuel our roadmap. Even better (and maybe unusually for an early stage startup), we're in a financially healthy position going forward off of our product revenue. We care deeply about building a diverse and inclusive team, and we hope you do too!
We are looking for a Sr. Global Sourcing Manager to join our growing New Product Initiative team. This position will focus on sourcing and developing our modules ODM/JDM/CM supplier partners and building supply chain strategy for our laptop products and accessories. In parallel, you will work closely with design, engineering, and operations teams to achieve cost, quality, availability, and time-to-market project objectives. As an early member of the sourcing team, you’ll have an enormous influence on our supply chain operations and product development as we advance.
This role is a full-time remote position based in the US or Canada. If you’re local to San Francisco area, we spend one day a week together in person. This position will require some local and international travel to suppliers and our San Francisco headquarters.
What You'll Do
- Strategically identify, evaluate, and cultivate relationships with global suppliers, fostering a robust bench for laptop systems, modules, components, and accessories, focusing on quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
- Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive RFP and RFQ processes, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and leveraging industry best practices to select optimal partners among ODMs, JDMs, CMs, and module integrators.
- Champion Framework's mission as a critical business leader, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring the alignment of sourcing strategies with broader business goals.
- Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers' executive teams to optimize partnerships and drive continuous improvement.
- Closely collaborate with engineering teams in Taiwan and the US to provide strategic insights on supplier capabilities, costs, risks, and readiness, enable informed product decisions, and enhance competitive advantage in the market.
- Opportunity to potentially lead and mentor a high-performing sourcing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
- Provide guidance and support in developing sourcing strategies that drive operational efficiency, mitigate supply chain risks, and foster long-term supplier relationships.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies in the laptop ecosystem, leveraging insights to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the sourcing function.
- Act as a thought leader and influencer, internally and externally, representing Framework's interests in relevant industry forums and events.
What You Need
- Seasoned Experience: 10+ years of demonstrable expertise in supply chain development and sourcing management, specifically within the electronics industry, showcasing a track record of successful outcomes and leadership in navigating complex supply chain dynamics.
- Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related fields, or equivalent practical experience, providing a solid foundation for understanding technical and business intricacies in the sourcing domain.
- RFQ Proficiency: Proven excellence in structuring and executing RFQ processes with ODMs, JDMs, CMs, and module suppliers, demonstrating the ability to drive competitive bidding processes and secure advantageous agreements.
- Vendor Management Skills: Strong background in vendor management and a history of effectively aligning with senior-level vendor executives to ensure a mutual understanding of Framework's objectives and deliverables, fostering collaborative and strategic partnerships.
- Negotiation Prowess: Exceptional negotiation skills honed through experience, capable of driving favorable terms and conditions while maintaining positive relationships with suppliers.
- Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of product-level and mechanical/electrical module-level specifications, enabling informed decision-making during supplier selection and throughout the product life cycle.
- Lifecycle Knowledge: Comprehensive experience with the entire product lifecycle, from inception and design through manufacturing, sales, repair/refurbishment, and disposition, ensuring holistic sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives at every stage.
- Decision-making Agility: The ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and make critical decisions swiftly, delivering results within tight timelines when required without compromising quality or compliance standards.
- Analytical and Innovative Mindset: Possess an analytical, curious, and creative approach to problem-solving. Capable of synthesizing complex information, identifying trends, and anticipating future challenges while paying attention to detail and maintaining a strategic outlook.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to dynamic and rapidly changing environments inherent in the electronics industry, demonstrating resilience and agility in responding to evolving market conditions and business priorities.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal English communication abilities, with experience collaborating across global teams and time zones and facilitating effective communication and alignment with stakeholders at all levels.
What's Nice to Have
- Fluency in Mandarin
- An electrical or mechanical engineering background
- Familiarity with CTO and 3PL pack-out operations
- A passion for DIY or environmentalism
- Familiarity with direct to consumer e-commerce business models
What You'll Love
- Competitive salary, equity, and health benefits
- Paid company holidays plus 20 PTO days per year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Flexible work hours and locations, including every other Friday off!
- 401K with matching for US employees
- The chance to work at a startup that is making a positive social and environmental impact.
We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know by reaching out to [email protected].
