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Overview
We’re seeking a Principal Supply Chain Manager to lead global sourcing, supplier strategy, and manufacturing operations for the Caper Cart. A part of Instacart’s Connected Stores initiative, we help retailers around the world create seamless omni-channel shopping experiences by powering intelligent devices like the Caper Cart—an AI-driven smart cart that combines computer vision, IoT, and advanced interfaces to enable a frictionless, grab-and-go shopping journey. We thrive on collaboration, tackling challenges at the intersection of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence. You’ll own the development of a resilient, cost-efficient supply base across Asia and beyond, expanding into regions like the U.S., Mexico, and India.
Working closely with engineering, operations, compliance, and finance, you’ll drive cost reductions, improve quality, and scale our manufacturing footprint. As a key strategic leader, you’ll advise the executive team on logistics, procurement, and operational scalability as we grow.
About the Job
Supply Chain Strategy & Execution
- Develop and execute end-to-end supply chain strategies aligned with company goals, with a strong focus on scalability, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
- Lead sourcing, procurement, planning, logistics, and fulfillment operations.
- Design and implement a geo-diversification roadmap, evaluating regions such as Asia, the U.S., Mexico, and India based on risk, cost, lead time, and supplier capabilities.
- Identify, evaluate, and secure partnerships with top-tier suppliers and OEMs—especially in Asia—with an eye toward strategic diversification.
Manufacturing & Supplier Management
- Recommend optimal manufacturing locations by assessing geopolitical risk, tariffs, logistics, and supply base maturity.
- Build and maintain a diversified and resilient manufacturing footprint, including leading due diligence for regional expansion or production shifts.
- Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, and contract structuring; oversee performance tracking, quality audits, scorecards, and escalation paths.
- Collaborate with engineering to source components that meet both technical and regulatory requirements, and drive BOM cost reductions without compromising compliance or performance.
Cross-functional Operations Leadership
- Serve as a strategic bridge across hardware engineering, finance, compliance, logistics, and customer experience to ensure alignment on cost, quality, and delivery.
- Drive initiatives to improve inventory turns, reduce COGS, and enhance supplier performance and product quality.
- Proactively monitor supply chain risks including regulatory changes, market pricing volatility, and geopolitical events.
Team & Communication Enablement
- Translate complex supply chain strategies into clear, actionable plans for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Foster cross-functional alignment and accountability to hit operational milestones.
- Support hiring and development within the supply chain team, contributing to a high-performance and execution-oriented culture
About You
Minimum Qualifications
- 10 + years of supply chain, sourcing, or manufacturing operations experience—ideally in consumer hardware, robotics, or IoT
- Deep knowledge of component sourcing and OEM partnerships in Asia, plus experience navigating alternative geographies
- Track record of building global supply chains from the ground up
- Strong understanding of BOM cost structure, negotiations, and supplier performance management
- Experience setting up or transitioning manufacturing lines or operations in new regions
- Technical fluency to collaborate effectively with engineers and understand component-level tradeoffs
- Excellent negotiation, project management, and cross-functional communication skills
- Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment where ownership matters
- Professional working proficiency in Mandarin
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with compliance-heavy hardware products (e.g. CE, FCC, UL, food-safe materials)
- Prior experience with setting up or managing the U.S.-based or nearshore manufacturing
Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work. This role is remote and the base pay range for a successful candidate is dependent on their permanent work location. Please review our Flex First remote work policy here.
Offers may vary based on many factors, such as candidate experience and skills required for the role. Additionally, this role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants. Please read more about our benefits offerings here.
For US based candidates, the base pay ranges for a successful candidate are listed below.
CA, NY, CT, NJ
$208,000—$230,000 USD
WA
$199,000—$221,000 USD
OR, DE, ME, MA, MD, NH, RI, VT, DC, PA, VA, CO, TX, IL, HI
$191,000—$212,000 USD
All other states
$172,000—$191,000 USD
Top Skills
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