Job Description
Relay is the Intelligent System of Action for the physical economy. While the digital revolution has historically left the deskless workforce behind, we are closing that gap by transforming analog frontline operations into a data-rich, AI-powered ecosystem. We aren’t just selling radios; we are building the digital foundation for the 80% of the global workforce that doesn’t work at a desk.
Ranked among the fastest-growing tech companies in North America, we are looking for the next generation of “Relayers” to help us digitize the final frontier of the workforce.
Why Relay?
- Work at the Edge of Innovation: We just secured our 100th patent. You’ll work with technologies spanning AI-driven noise suppression, real-time language translation, and advanced IoT connectivity.
- Massive Scale: Be part of a solution and platform that processes over 1 billion data points every week. Our tech isn’t just “cool”—it’s essential infrastructure designed for the global economy.
- Hyper-Growth Trajectory: It is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Relay, given we’ve recently ranked #175 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and #920 on the Inc. 5000.
Ready to help us build the Intelligent System of Action?
About the team:
The Hardware & Supply Chain team at Relay drives the end-to-end lifecycle of our physical devices—from component sourcing and supplier partnerships to logistics, fulfillment, and inventory management. As Relay scales rapidly and expands its device ecosystem, a world-class supply chain function is essential to ensuring our products reach customers reliably, cost-effectively, and at the quality our Fortune 500 clients demand.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Director of Supply Chain to build and lead Relay’s supply chain strategy as we scale our hardware business. You will own all aspects of supply chain—procurement, vendor management, logistics, fulfillment, and demand planning—while partnering closely with Engineering, Finance, and Operations to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency across our growing product portfolio. This role is open to Raleigh, Chicago, or remote candidates.
This is a senior leadership role with company-wide impact. You will build and mentor a high-performing supply chain team, establish the systems and processes needed to support hyper-growth, and be a key decision-maker as Relay continues to scale toward its next major milestones. This role reports to the Chief Customer Officer.
Please note that we prefer this hire to be based in either our Raleigh HQ or in the Chicago, IL geographic area. For the ideal candidate we will consider a remote hire.
Responsibilities:
Hardware Procurement
- Strategic Sourcing: Own the end-to-end procurement strategy for hardware and accessories, ensuring supply continuity and competitive pricing.
- Component Lifecycle Management: Monitor component availability, manage end-of-life transitions, and proactively identify alternate sources to mitigate supply risk.
- Cost Optimization: Drive year-over-year cost reduction through strategic negotiations, volume leverage, and working capital efficiencies.
Vendor Management
- Supplier Relationships: Build and manage a portfolio of strategic supplier partnerships with clear SLAs and performance KPIs.
- Contracts & Compliance: Lead supplier negotiations, contract execution, and ongoing compliance monitoring to protect Relay’s interests and uphold quality standards.
- Risk Management: Develop dual-source strategies and contingency plans for critical components to ensure supply resilience across geopolitical and market disruptions.
Logistics & Fulfillment
- Global Logistics: Oversee inbound and outbound freight, customs compliance, and 3PL partnerships to ensure cost-efficient, on-time delivery to Relay’s customers and distribution centers.
- Order Fulfillment: Partner with Sales Operations and Customer Success to optimize fulfillment workflows, reduce lead times, and meet the high service expectations of Relay’s Fortune 500 customer base.
- Circular Economy: Design and manage efficient reverse logistics processes for device returns, refurbishment, and end-of-life disposition.
Demand & Inventory Planning
- Demand Forecasting: Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Product to develop accurate demand forecasts that align supply commitments with business growth projections.
- Inventory Optimization: Establish inventory policies and safety stock models that balance working capital efficiency with customer service levels across a multi-SKU hardware portfolio.
- S&OP Leadership: Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, driving cross-functional alignment on supply, demand, and financial targets.
- AI-Enabled Planning: Evaluate and deploy AI tools across forecasting, inventory optimization, and supplier risk monitoring—partnering with Data and Engineering to embed predictive and generative AI into core supply chain workflows.
Required/Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of supply chain experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing procurement, logistics, and/or planning functions, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven track record managing hardware supply chains at scale, ideally for consumer or enterprise electronics products.
- Deep experience with contract manufacturer (CM) and ODM relationships, including negotiations and quality management.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency with ERP/supply chain planning systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle).
- Exceptional cross-functional communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, from engineering teams to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related discipline.
- Experience scaling supply chain operations at a hyper-growth hardware or IoT company.
- Familiarity with telecommunications hardware, ruggedized devices, or enterprise IoT product categories.
- Hands-on experience evaluating or deploying AI tools for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, or supplier risk monitoring.
About us: Relay culture, benefits & perks:
Our culture hinges on Relayers getting LIT in an environment that fosters learning, impact, and teamwork (LIT), where we can *CHASE* the best work of our lives. We call this BWIML (pronounced bee wimmel = Best Work In My Life)!
It’s truly amazing what engaged team members can achieve together. Our ever-evolving list of benefits and perks means you’ll be able to integrate work into your whole life, focus on health, perform impactful work, grow and learn in your role, look after yourself/your family, and invest in your future.
At Relay, we offer…
- 100% Paid Insurance Health, Dental, Vision, Long/Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance benefits for you and those who depend on you
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 401(K) Savings Plan + Company Match
- New Parent Bonus + Paid Parental Leave
- Wellness Perks, including a world-class onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes + locker room, as well as endless outdoor amenities, whether tennis, basketball, cycling, or pickleball is your jam
- A vibrant, collaborative campus culture with community events, celebrations, and team gatherings that bring Relayers together
- Latest tech, standing desks, and all the accessories and software you need to succeed in your role
