Hardware Operations Lead

Hardware Operations Lead Simply Bread Co Santa Ana, CA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $130,000 a year 7 hours ago Qualifications Operations management Electro-mechanical components Vendor management ERP systems Team development APIs Contract negotiation Root cause analysis Order fulfillment Circuit boards Full Job Description About Simply Bread Co. Simply Bread is on a mission to empower the next generation of artisan entrepreneurs. We've built the world's smartest, most efficient micro bakery oven: a commercial grade, IoT connected device that allows home bakers to turn their passion into a thriving business. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a driven operator to lead our manufacturing and hardware fulfillment. About The Team You'll join a diverse team of founders, software & hardware engineers, supply chain specialists, marketing experts, manufacturing operators, and other critical roles. You'll collaborate with people across the company to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and quality while providing seemingly streamlined operational excellence at the lowest possible cost for our customers.

The Role The Mission:

We are currently managing a complex hardware lifecycle: executing the End of Life (EOL) for our V3 oven while aggressively transitioning our new V4 model into Contract Manufacturing (CM). We need an elite, high bandwidth operator in Santa Ana to bridge the gap between our digital systems, our in house inventory, and our external partners. You will be the leader for our manufacturing processes, but also expected to roll up sleeves to resolve any issues impacting manufacturing, able to do handy tasks and provide manufacturing engineering solutions.

The Impact :

Over the next 12 months, you will stabilize our immediate supply chain, manage the V3 inventory burn down, and successfully stand up the V4 production line with our CM. You are a Player Coach who operates best under high pressure, fixing the immediate fires of today while building the permanent solutions for tomorrow. What You'll Do Product

EOL & NPI CM

Transition :

Architect the shift. You will manage the phase out and inventory wind down of our current in house build while partnering with NPI engineering to stand up the Contract Manufacturing supply chain for new products.

Daily Execution:

Manage the "Receive, Build, Ship" lifecycle for the Santa Ana floor. Winning looks like 100% fulfillment accuracy for current demand, zero bottlenecks, and absolute control over the physical inventory. Analyze operational barriers systematically, focusing on root cause identification and understanding financial impact drivers.

Systems & Documentation :

Operate and optimize our tech stack (Odoo, Shopify, HubSpot). You will build functional dashboards that reflect the ground truth of our operations. You love building lean, repeatable processes, not relying on bloated corporate software.

Reporting & Transparency :

Proactively deliver KPIs and operational reports to the CEO and COO. You do not wait to be asked; you provide the metrics that prove the transition is running on schedule and on budget, including insights, risks, and recommendations.

Collaboration & Ownership :

Interface directly with our R D and engineering teams regarding design for manufacturing improvements for NPI. You have 100% autonomy over the daily Santa Ana facility operations during this transition.

Facility & Team Management:

Direct the manufacturing and warehouse teams. You will implement a structure where it's lacking and maintain the Santa Ana facility as a world class hardware facility. Conduct shift planning and forecasting, alongside assigning and directing work. Drive process improvements and develop team members' ability to keep pace with our rapid growth, while motivating the team.

Qualifications The Must Haves:

5-10

Years Maximum Experience :

We are looking for an ascendant operator, not a 20 year corporate VP who wants to manage large budgets and bring in consultants. You must be a hands on builder. Startup DNA (Non-Negotiable): You MUST come from a startup environment or a similar setup. You have proven experience working in ambiguity, getting things done with limited resources, demonstrating strong ownership and operating without a safety net.

Hardware / Io

T / Manufacturing /

Robotics Background :

You have a deep understanding of complex electromechanical box building, PCBs, wire assemblies, and the realities of physical product iteration.

Technical Fluency :

You can configure and work deeply within ERPs. You build the system; you don't just look at it. You are not afraid of data queries, API's and configuring ERP and CRM tools.

Supply Chain Ops :

Experience with supply chain operations and third party vendor/research partner management contract negotiation.

The Ideal Profile & Bonus Points:

You have shipped complex physical products before (e.g., managing a hardware Kickstarter fulfillment or launching a V1 physical product). Direct experience managing product End of Life (EOL) and transitioning in house manufacturing to external Contract Manufacturers.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Do you have experience working for a startup/early stage or small company? This is an in person role located in Santa Ana, CA. Is that okay? Do you have any experience with PCBs, electrical wiring or electrical components?

Work Location:

In person