Director, Contract Manufacturing Operations

The Elevator Pitch

Imagine the world you can help us build-one that leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking to realize our vision of safer places to live, work, learn, and play. We are looking for a few more great minds to join our team as we continue to grow the world's leading AI-enabled weapons detection company.

If you join Evolv in this newly created position as our Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations, you will lead our outsourced manufacturing strategy and execution. You will work cross-functionally to ensure our contract manufacturing partners deliver high-quality products on time and at scale. As Evolv's manufacturing operations lead, you will drive operational excellence, supplier performance, and production readiness while building a scalable manufacturing infrastructure.

What does success in the role look like?

Execute and manage Evolv's contract manufacturing strategy that supports scalability and cost-effectiveness. Specific responsibilities include product cost, manufacturing variances, and inventory management.

Within the first 30 days you will:

• Establish relationships with key internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal) and contract manufacturing partners.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current outsourced manufacturing operations, identifying immediate risks and opportunities.
• Define initial KPIs for supplier performance, production efficiency, and cost metrics.
• Begin development of a scalable manufacturing operations roadmap aligned with company growth goals.
• Gain proficiency in internal systems including Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite.

Within 90 days you will:

• Implement a supplier performance dashboard with real-time metrics (e.g., on-time delivery rate, defect rate, throughput).
• Launch a pilot continuous improvement initiative with at least one contract manufacturer, targeting a 5-10% efficiency gain.
• Finalize and begin executing a cost-down strategy with measurable targets (e.g., reduce product cost by 3-5% over 6 months).
• Align production planning processes with demand forecasts to ensure 95%+ production continuity.
• Establish a cross-functional cadence for reporting operational performance to executive leadership.

Within the first 12 months you will:

• Achieve a sustained 98%+ on-time delivery rate across all contract manufacturing partners.
• Reduce manufacturing variances and inventory discrepancies by at least 15% through process optimization.
• Fully integrate manufacturing operations with Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite for end-to-end visibility.
• Build and lead a high-performing team (production planning, test engineering, repair/refurbishment) with clear roles and development plans.
• Launch a formal risk management program that proactively mitigates production disruptions, with quarterly risk assessments.
• Support at least one successful new product introduction with a seamless production ramp-up and zero major delays.
• Deliver quarterly executive reports with actionable insights and progress against strategic manufacturing goals.

The Work: What type of work will you be doing?

You will have the opportunity to define and build the outsourced manufacturing function from the ground up. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a balance of long-term planning and day-to-day execution.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute a scalable outsourced manufacturing strategy aligned with company growth.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier performance and production readiness.
• Translate business goals into actionable manufacturing roadmaps and KPIs.
• Balance long-term strategic planning with hands-on operational execution. Work closely with internal stakeholders to forecast demand and ensure production continuity.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Define and monitor supplier performance metrics such as on-time delivery, defect rates, and throughput.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Align production planning with demand forecasts to ensure 95%+ production continuity.
• Use dashboards and reporting tools to communicate performance insights to executive leadership.

Technical & Systems Proficiency

• Gain proficiency and integrate operations with Salesforce, Arena PLM, and NetSuite for end-to-end visibility.
• Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce variances and optimize processes.
• Support new product introductions with seamless production ramp-up and zero major delays.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements in manufacturing operations.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Manage top-tier contract manufacturers to meet contractual obligations and performance standards.
• Launch and oversee continuous improvement initiatives targeting 5-10% efficiency gains.
• Develop and execute cost-down strategies to reduce product costs by 3-5% over six months.
• Conduct quarterly risk assessments and implement mitigation plans to prevent production disruptions.

Compensation and Transparency Statement

The base salary range for this full-time position is $160,000- $200,000. In addition to base salary, this role offers a competitive target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. This range reflects our commitment to pay transparency and equity, in alignment with applicable state laws. Our compensation ranges are determined based on factors such as role, level, location, market benchmarks, and internal equity. The posted range represents the good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role across U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be based on the candidate's skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

In accordance with state and local pay transparency laws-including those in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and others-we disclose salary ranges in all job postings and provide additional information upon request.

During the hiring process, your recruiter will share:

• The specific salary range for your preferred location
• A general overview of our benefits and equity offerings
• Insights into how compensation decisions are made, including factors that influence starting pay

We are committed to fair pay practices, and we regularly review our compensation programs to ensure they are competitive, equitable, and aligned with our values.

What is leadership like for this role?

The Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations will report to Evolv's Head of Supply Chain and Procurement. The initial focus will be on building a robust outsourced manufacturing infrastructure to support rapid growth and innovation. As the company scales, the operations team may expand to include program managers, production planners, and manufacturing engineers. We offer a collaborative, mission-driven environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and every employee plays a vital role in protecting lives through technology.

Where is the role located?

Our ideal candidate for this role is located in the Midwest near Chicago, IL or the Boston area. There is approximately 20% anticipated domestic travel required for supplier visits and Contract Manufacturing management.