Global Supply Chain Manager, Contract Manufacturing

About Sesame

Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice companions part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive.

About the Role

As the Supply Chain Manager focused on Contract Manufacturer (CM) Management, you will own the strategy and execution of supply chain operations with our global manufacturing partners. This role emphasizes managing end-to-end relationships with CMs to ensure alignment with Sesame’s objectives around Total Cost of Ownership, Time to Market, Supply Chain Performance, Quality, and Compliance. You will lead supplier engagement, drive cost and risk management, and ensure manufacturing readiness for high-volume consumer electronics.

Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end management of global contract manufacturers (CMs), with a focus on building strong partnerships that support Sesame’s cost, quality, and delivery goals.

• Develop and execute sourcing and manufacturing strategies with CMs to support rapid scaling, new product introductions, and long-term growth.

• Negotiate and manage contracts with CMs, including terms for cost, capacity, flexibility, and quality.

• Lead quarterly business reviews with CMs to track performance, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with CMs to resolve production bottlenecks, part shortages, or quality issues affecting product schedules.

• Implement supply chain flexibility strategies to mitigate risk and improve responsiveness to demand changes.

• Ensure CMs are aligned with Sesame’s product requirements, including speed-to-market, yield, and reliability.

• Partner closely with APAC-based CMs to manage production capacity, logistics, and compliance with regional trade regulations.

• Drive operational initiatives with CMs, including cost reduction programs, VMI/JIT, lead-time improvements, and favorable commercial terms.

• Support supplier and sub-tier sourcing strategies through the CM network (e.g., electro-mechanical and other key components).

• Build strong cross-functional relationships with engineering, operations, quality, and finance to ensure CMs deliver on business objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience managing contract manufacturers in a fast pace, high volume consumer electronics company.

• Proven track record negotiating and managing CM contracts and business relationships.

• Strong knowledge of high-volume production environments and consumer electronics supply chains.

• Demonstrated success in cost negotiations, cost reduction programs, and risk management with CMs.

• Experience working directly with APAC-based CMs and JDMs/ODMs, including factory-level engagement.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience influencing senior executives internally and externally.

• Leadership and cross-functional collaboration experience.

• Excellent analytical, project management, and reporting skills.

• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Multilingual skills (Mandarin, Japanese, or other APAC-region languages) to enhance supplier engagement.

• Experience optimizing sourcing strategies to account for tariffs, trade policies, and regional cost structures.

• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment, with the ability to scale supply chain operations quickly and efficiently.

• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation trends within CM operations.

Sesame is committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome all qualified applicants, embracing diversity in race, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities—contact [email protected] for assistance.

Full-time Employee Benefits: 

• 401k matching

• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits 

• Unlimited PTO and sick time 

• Flexible spending account matching (medical FSA) 

Benefits do not apply to contingent/contract workers