Operations Program Manager

Operations Program Manager – New Products

Essential Duties:

We are seeking an Operations Program Manager to lead materials planning, procurement, and supplier coordination for Redwood’s next-generation battery and recycling technologies. This role will be responsible for ensuring material readiness for NPI builds, driving sourcing strategies, and collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to support Redwood’s rapid scaling efforts.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience insupply chain management, NPI planning, procurement, and production coordination—with a strong ability to manage supplier relationships, implement cost-saving strategies, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead manufacturing readiness from early-stage product design through high-volume production, with a focus on PCBA and electromechanical assemblies.
• Manage day-to-day operations with Contract Manufacturers to execute builds, resolve operational issues, track yield, and ensure production schedules are met.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of yield and quality issues (e.g., SMT defects, test failures, mechanical misalignments); implement corrective actions and continuous improvements.
• Own test strategy and production line setup in partnership with engineering, test, and factory teams
• Coordinate with Global Supply Chain and SQE teams on material transitions, ECO change management, and obsolescence planning
• Ensure all manufacturing documentation is complete and released, including SOPs, BOMs, work instructions, and process specs.
• Plan factory capacity and tooling needs to meet demand within budget and schedule.
• Serve as the operational lead for cross-functional updates, surfacing issues, tradeoffs, and resolution paths.
• Manage clear-to-build (CTB) processes with contract manufacturers and internal teams, ensuring material readiness for engineering and production builds.
• Proactively mitigate supply chain risks, develop alternate sourcing plans, and resolve material shortages to prevent production delays.
• Develop and maintain BOMs (Bill of Materials), working with engineering teams to integrate design changes efficiently.
• Support ERP/MRP system improvements, ensuring seamless material planning and procurement operations.
• Communicate concisely and efficiently with cross-functional partners 

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in managing contract manufacturers, process development, NPI & production ramp, preferably in advanced manufacturing, battery technology, EV, robotics, or high-tech industries.
• Proven track record in launching new products in fast-paced environments.
• Strong understanding of EVT/DVT/PVT phases or A/B/C sample and experience supporting engineering prototype builds.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, BOM structuring, and procurement processes to support NPI operations.
• Strong understanding of PCBA/electromechanical assembly, DFM/DFA principles, CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA), fixture/tooling design, and common manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, assembly, automation).
• Proven experience with root cause analysis, yield improvement, and quality tools like SPC, Six Sigma, and FMEA.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining SOPs, BOMs, process specs, and driving ECO/obsolescence changes efficiently.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards 

Working Conditions:  

• Environment, such as office or outdoors.
• Ability to work in challenging working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, while protected by PPE, for extended periods of time. 
• Essential physical requirements, such as climbing, standing, stooping, or typing. 
• Occasional work weekends, nights, or be on-call as a regular part of the job. 
• Occasional travel requirements.