Head of Operations

Podium Automation is reimagining industrial control panel manufacturing through software-enabled design and automated fabrication. We're building technology to create a new industrial supply chain - reducing lead times for critical electrical equipment from months to days. We've raised over $23M from top-tier investors including Construct Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Transition Ventures, Sunflower Capital, Banter Capital, and SV Angel.

As Head of Operations , you will own everything that happens across panel design, fabrication, and delivery. This is an executive leadership role reporting directly to the Co-Founder/CEO, responsible for building and running the operational backbone of a fast-scaling hardware company. You will oversee production across our current and future manufacturing facilities, lead our supply chain and procurement function, and drive site selection and expansion as we grow our footprint.

This role is equal parts builder and operator - you'll set strategy and get into the details. The right person has deep experience in manufacturing/production environments and thrives at the intersection of process rigor, people leadership, and scrappy problem-solving.

What You'll Own

Production & Manufacturing

Own end-to-end production operations across all current and future Podium facilities, with full accountability for output, quality, and throughput

Build and continuously improve manufacturing processes, workflows, and quality systems as we scale from early production to high-volume operations

Recruit, develop, and lead a world-class operations team including facility general managers, production supervisors, and technicians

Partner with engineering to drive DFM (design for manufacturability) and ensure a tight feedback loop between product and production

Supply Chain & Procurement

Lead all procurement and sourcing for components, materials, and equipment — managing vendor relationships from selection through ongoing performance

Drive strategic vendor negotiations to optimize cost, lead time, and supply reliability as our volumes grow

Build resilient supply chain systems that can absorb disruptions and support rapid product iteration

Develop and manage inventory strategies, demand planning, and materials forecasting

Facilities & Expansion

Own site selection and buildout for new manufacturing facilities as Podium expands geographically

Develop the criteria, process, and execution plan for evaluating and standing up new production sites

Manage relationships with landlords, contractors, and local stakeholders across all facilities

Ensure all sites meet safety, compliance, and operational standards

Who You Are

There are 4 values that all Podium employees are expected to demonstrate (albeit imperfectly):

Win for the customer. We sit on the same side of the table as our customers - their wins are our wins. We’re building the vendor we always wished we had.

Default to transparency. We believe in honesty, transparency, and kindness. It’s about how you get things done and not just what gets done.

Speed is a feature. We move fast and take ownership. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

Win and lose as a team. Individuals drive inputs, teams drive outputs. We celebrate success together but aren’t afraid to fail and iterate. We own outcomes together and don’t deflect blame.

What We're Looking For

10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or related sectors

Demonstrated track record scaling manufacturing operations — you've taken a facility or production line from early-stage to meaningful volume

Deep expertise in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and vendor negotiation in a hardware context

Experience selecting and standing up new manufacturing facilities or sites

Strong people leader who can build teams, develop talent, and operate effectively across hourly and salaried workforces

Comfort operating in ambiguity and a startup environment — you're able to define the playbook, not just execute one

Analytical and data-driven; able to define and track operational KPIs and make decisions grounded in metrics

Excellent cross-functional collaborator with engineering, finance, and leadership

Background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

Nice to Have

Experience in electrical equipment, industrial automation, or control systems manufacturing

Experience with ERP (Odoo) or MES systems in a manufacturing context