In today's dynamic worksites, seamless collaboration between people and machines is essential. FORT's platform ensures safe, secure, and dynamic control that surpasses legacy systems and next-generation AI capabilities.
While autonomous machines offer significant advantages, they also introduce new safety challenges. FORT addresses these concerns by providing solutions such as the Wireless E-Stop, which allows operators to instantly stop any machine from a safe distance, enhancing safety during emergencies.
Additionally, FORT's Safe Remote Control enables operators to manage heavy machinery remotely, reducing the risk of accidents and improving visibility.
By ensuring communications integrity across any network, FORT empowers customers to protect their most valuable assets—people, data, and machines—ensuring they remain safe and secure.
As Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain at FORT Robotics, you’ll own our end-to-end supply position and the contract manufacturer relationships that power it. You’ll lead the function, qualifying and managing CMs, building demand forecasts, and ensuring we never miss a customer commitment while building and mentoring the team that scales with us. You’ll partner closely with Engineering, Sales, and Customer Experience to keep supply and demand in balance as we grow.
Key Responsibilities- Own and grow our contract manufacturer network — manage existing CM relationships end-to-end (PO placement, lead time negotiation, quality escalation, fill-rate improvement) and qualify new CMs to reduce single-source risk on high-concentration vendors.
- Lead the supply chain function — build, mentor, and scale the team; set the operating cadence; define how we measure and improve.
- Build rolling demand forecasts from Salesforce pipeline data and historical velocity; translate them into PO decisions aligned to CM lead times.
- Partner with Engineering on new product introductions — evaluate component sourcing options, establish approved vendor lists, and optimize BOM costs before designs are finalized.
- Monitor and maintain safety stock levels for all active SKUs; flag risk before it becomes a customer problem.
- Coordinate First Article Inspections with the Operations team for new CM batches.
- Maintain Fishbowl as the system of record; PO records, lead times, and stock data must be accurate and current.
- Produce weekly and monthly KPI reports per SOP — backorder rate, stock-out events, inspection pass rate, and inventory turn.
- Support ISO 9001 compliance through auditable inventory and procurement records.
- 5–8 years in supply chain, procurement, or inventory management in a hardware or contract manufacturing environment.
- Experience standing up new contract manufacturers — vendor qualification, onboarding, and transitioning production — not just managing existing ones.
- Direct CM relationship experience: PO management, lead time negotiation, and quality escalation.
- 2+ years leading a supply chain, procurement, or operations team — hiring, mentoring, and setting the bar for performance.
- Hands-on ERP/IMS proficiency.
- Ability to build demand forecasts from CRM pipeline data and act on them proactively.
- Strong written communication skills; you will be escalating supply constraints to leadership before they affect customers.
- Experience in robotics, defense, industrial automation, or similarly demanding hardware environments.
- ISO 9001 familiarity.
- Experience working in Fishbowl or comparable inventory management systems.
- Background scaling a supply chain function in an early- to growth-stage hardware company.
- Competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $160,000 USD.
- Flexible hybrid work environment promoting work-life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a dynamic team.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) matching; paid time off and holidays; parental leave; life insurance.
Skills Required
- 4-6 years in supply chain, procurement, or inventory management
- Direct CM relationship experience
- Hands-on ERP/IMS proficiency
- Ability to build demand forecasts
- Strong written communication skills
- Experience in robotics or defense environments preferred
- ISO 9001 familiarity is a plus
- 1-2 years leading, mentoring, or managing individuals
What We Do
FORT Robotics is building a first-of-its kind safety and security platform for smart machines. FORT’s mission is to unlock the full potential of automation by accelerating development, reducing risk, and building trust in autonomous systems. Based in Philadelphia, FORT provides solutions for machines in a variety of industries, including warehousing, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, turf care and last mile delivery.
