Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations
Evolv Technology, Chicago, IL, United States
Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations
Imagine the world you can help us build—with cutting‑edge technology and innovative thinking—realizing our vision of safer places to live, work, learn, and play. Evolv, a leader in AI‑enabled weapons detection, is looking for a talented individual to join our team. As the newly‑created Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations, you will lead our outsourced manufacturing strategy and execution, ensuring high‑quality products are delivered on time and at scale.
Success Metrics Execute and manage Evolv’s contract manufacturing strategy to support scalability and cost‑effectiveness. Specific responsibilities include managing product cost, manufacturing variances, and inventory.
Onboarding & Milestones Within the first 30 days:
Establish relationships with key internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal) and contract manufacturing partners.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current outsourced manufacturing operations, identifying immediate risks and opportunities.
Define initial KPIs for supplier performance, production efficiency, and cost metrics.
Begin development of a scalable manufacturing operations roadmap aligned with company growth goals.
Gain proficiency in internal systems including Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite.
Within 90 days:
Implement a supplier performance dashboard with real‑time metrics (e.g., on‑time delivery rate, defect rate, throughput).
Launch a pilot continuous‑improvement initiative with at least one contract manufacturer, targeting a 5‑10% efficiency gain.
Finalize and begin executing a cost‑down strategy with measurable targets (e.g., reduce product cost by 3‑5% over 6 months).
Align production planning processes with demand forecasts to ensure ≥95% production continuity.
Establish a cross‑functional cadence for reporting operational performance to executive leadership.
Within the first 12 months:
Achieve a sustained ≥98% on‑time delivery rate across all contract manufacturing partners.
Reduce manufacturing variances and inventory discrepancies by at least 15% through process optimization.
Fully integrate manufacturing operations with Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite for end‑to‑end visibility.
Build and lead a high‑performing team (production planning, test engineering, repair/refurbishment) with clear roles and development plans.
Launch a formal risk‑management program that proactively mitigates production disruptions, with quarterly risk assessments.
Support at least one successful new product introduction with seamless production ramp‑up and zero major delays.
Deliver quarterly executive reports with actionable insights and progress against strategic manufacturing goals.
Core Responsibilities As Evolv’s first Contract Manufacturing Operations lead, you will define and build the outsourced manufacturing function from scratch. The role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution and requires:
Developing and executing a scalable outsourced manufacturing strategy aligned with company growth.
Leading cross‑functional initiatives to improve supplier performance and production readiness.
Translating business goals into actionable manufacturing roadmaps and KPIs.
Balancing long‑term strategic planning with day‑to‑day operational execution and forecasting demand.
Defining and monitoring supplier performance metrics such as on‑time delivery, defect rates, and throughput.
Analyzing production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost‑saving opportunities.
Using dashboards and reporting tools to communicate performance insights to executive leadership.
Applying lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce variances and optimize processes.
Supporting new product introductions with seamless production ramp‑up and zero major delays.
Ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements in manufacturing operations.
Managing top‑tier contract manufacturers to meet contractual obligations and performance standards.
Launching and overseeing continuous‑improvement initiatives targeting 5‑10% efficiency gains.
Executing cost‑down strategies to reduce product costs by 3‑5% over six months.
Conducting quarterly risk assessments and implementing mitigation plans to prevent production disruptions.
Compensation and Transparency The base salary range for this full‑time position is
$160,000 - $200,000 . In addition to base salary, this role offers a competitive target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. This range reflects Evolv’s commitment to pay transparency and equity, in alignment with applicable state laws. The posted range represents the good‑faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role across U.S. locations; actual compensation within the range will be based on the candidate’s skills, experience, education, and geographic location.
In accordance with state and local pay transparency laws—including those in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and others—Evolv discloses salary ranges in all job postings and provides additional information upon request.
Leadership & Reporting The Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations will report to Evolv’s Head of Supply Chain and Procurement. The initial focus will be on building a robust outsourced manufacturing infrastructure to support rapid growth and innovation. As the company scales, the operations team may expand to include program managers, production planners, and manufacturing engineers.
Location & Travel Our ideal candidate is located in the Midwest near Chicago, IL. Approximately 20% of the role will involve domestic travel for supplier visits.
Benefits At Evolv, we value people who do the right thing, put people first, own their work, win together, and stay bold and curious. Our benefits include:
Equity as part of your total compensation package.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
401(k) plan with 2% company match.
Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) – take the time you need with manager approval and business needs in mind.
Quarterly stipend for perks and benefits that matter most to you.
Tuition reimbursement to support ongoing learning and development.
Subscription to Calm.
Equal Opportunity Employer Evolv Technology (“Evolv”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace, and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law in the locations where we operate. Evolv will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Evolv is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of the job application process, please connect with us at careers@evolvtechnology.com.
Evolv participates in E‑Verify for all employees after the completion of Form I‑9.
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Success Metrics Execute and manage Evolv’s contract manufacturing strategy to support scalability and cost‑effectiveness. Specific responsibilities include managing product cost, manufacturing variances, and inventory.
Onboarding & Milestones Within the first 30 days:
Establish relationships with key internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal) and contract manufacturing partners.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current outsourced manufacturing operations, identifying immediate risks and opportunities.
Define initial KPIs for supplier performance, production efficiency, and cost metrics.
Begin development of a scalable manufacturing operations roadmap aligned with company growth goals.
Gain proficiency in internal systems including Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite.
Within 90 days:
Implement a supplier performance dashboard with real‑time metrics (e.g., on‑time delivery rate, defect rate, throughput).
Launch a pilot continuous‑improvement initiative with at least one contract manufacturer, targeting a 5‑10% efficiency gain.
Finalize and begin executing a cost‑down strategy with measurable targets (e.g., reduce product cost by 3‑5% over 6 months).
Align production planning processes with demand forecasts to ensure ≥95% production continuity.
Establish a cross‑functional cadence for reporting operational performance to executive leadership.
Within the first 12 months:
Achieve a sustained ≥98% on‑time delivery rate across all contract manufacturing partners.
Reduce manufacturing variances and inventory discrepancies by at least 15% through process optimization.
Fully integrate manufacturing operations with Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite for end‑to‑end visibility.
Build and lead a high‑performing team (production planning, test engineering, repair/refurbishment) with clear roles and development plans.
Launch a formal risk‑management program that proactively mitigates production disruptions, with quarterly risk assessments.
Support at least one successful new product introduction with seamless production ramp‑up and zero major delays.
Deliver quarterly executive reports with actionable insights and progress against strategic manufacturing goals.
Core Responsibilities As Evolv’s first Contract Manufacturing Operations lead, you will define and build the outsourced manufacturing function from scratch. The role combines strategic planning with hands‑on execution and requires:
Developing and executing a scalable outsourced manufacturing strategy aligned with company growth.
Leading cross‑functional initiatives to improve supplier performance and production readiness.
Translating business goals into actionable manufacturing roadmaps and KPIs.
Balancing long‑term strategic planning with day‑to‑day operational execution and forecasting demand.
Defining and monitoring supplier performance metrics such as on‑time delivery, defect rates, and throughput.
Analyzing production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost‑saving opportunities.
Using dashboards and reporting tools to communicate performance insights to executive leadership.
Applying lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce variances and optimize processes.
Supporting new product introductions with seamless production ramp‑up and zero major delays.
Ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements in manufacturing operations.
Managing top‑tier contract manufacturers to meet contractual obligations and performance standards.
Launching and overseeing continuous‑improvement initiatives targeting 5‑10% efficiency gains.
Executing cost‑down strategies to reduce product costs by 3‑5% over six months.
Conducting quarterly risk assessments and implementing mitigation plans to prevent production disruptions.
Compensation and Transparency The base salary range for this full‑time position is
$160,000 - $200,000 . In addition to base salary, this role offers a competitive target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. This range reflects Evolv’s commitment to pay transparency and equity, in alignment with applicable state laws. The posted range represents the good‑faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role across U.S. locations; actual compensation within the range will be based on the candidate’s skills, experience, education, and geographic location.
In accordance with state and local pay transparency laws—including those in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and others—Evolv discloses salary ranges in all job postings and provides additional information upon request.
Leadership & Reporting The Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations will report to Evolv’s Head of Supply Chain and Procurement. The initial focus will be on building a robust outsourced manufacturing infrastructure to support rapid growth and innovation. As the company scales, the operations team may expand to include program managers, production planners, and manufacturing engineers.
Location & Travel Our ideal candidate is located in the Midwest near Chicago, IL. Approximately 20% of the role will involve domestic travel for supplier visits.
Benefits At Evolv, we value people who do the right thing, put people first, own their work, win together, and stay bold and curious. Our benefits include:
Equity as part of your total compensation package.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
401(k) plan with 2% company match.
Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) – take the time you need with manager approval and business needs in mind.
Quarterly stipend for perks and benefits that matter most to you.
Tuition reimbursement to support ongoing learning and development.
Subscription to Calm.
Equal Opportunity Employer Evolv Technology (“Evolv”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace, and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law in the locations where we operate. Evolv will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Evolv is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of the job application process, please connect with us at careers@evolvtechnology.com.
Evolv participates in E‑Verify for all employees after the completion of Form I‑9.
#J-18808-Ljbffr