Global Supply Chain Manager - Direct Purchasing

The Global Supply Chain Manager at Wayve is responsible for establishing and managing supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring product availability. This includes working closely with engineering teams to scale early product development and adapting supply chains to meet changing technological demands.

To be successful as the Global Supply Chain Manager at Wayve, candidates should have experience in bringing emerging products to market, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of cost accounting. Familiarity with the autonomous vehicle sector is highly desirable, along with the ability to work collaboratively with both internal teams and external partners.

Wayve supports Global Supply Chain Managers with attractive compensation packages, including salary and equity options, as well as opportunities for professional development. The company promotes a hybrid working policy, allowing managers to balance in-office collaboration with remote work.

Global Supply Chain Managers at Wayve face challenges such as establishing supplier relationships for low-volume high-tech products and managing costs effectively while collaborating closely with engineering teams. The need for agility in the supply chain to accommodate rapid design evolution is another critical challenge.

Benefits for the Global Supply Chain Manager position at Wayve include a competitive salary, equity participation, flexible working hours, and relocation support with visa sponsorship. Additionally, employees benefit from a vibrant workplace culture, including social events and onsite amenities.

When answering this question, emphasize the importance of clear communication, regular check-ins, and building trust through transparency. Share an example where strong relationships led to successful negotiation outcomes.

Detail your experience with tracking, analyzing, and reporting costs associated with supplier contracts and materials, showcasing how this has driven efficiencies in past roles. Use specific metrics to illustrate your impact.

Share a specific instance where collaboration between supply chain and engineering resulted in a successful product launch. Highlight your role in bridging communications and aligning goals.

Discuss methodologies you use to assess demand changes and how you proactively adjust supplier agreements, production schedules, or inventory levels to maintain efficiency.

Talk about your approach to negotiation, which should include preparing in advance, being aware of market conditions, and identifying mutual benefits. Use an example where your strategy resulted in a win-win outcome.

Explain your conflict resolution approach, which includes listening to the supplier's perspective, maintaining professionalism, and working collaboratively towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

Express the advantages of hybrid work models, such as enhanced flexibility and productivity, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining strong team bonds through in-office interactions.

Discuss the processes you implement for regular quality audits, supplier assessments, and the importance of establishing quality criteria during supplier negotiations.

Talk about the importance of technology in tracking inventory, managing supplier relationships, and predicting market changes. Highlight any specific tools you are proficient with.

Detail the criteria you consider, such as reputation, financial stability, production capabilities, and alignment with your company’s values. Give an example of how these factors influenced your decision-making in the past.