Head of APAC Operations

Location Type: Not Specified

 

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

Are you a visionary leader ready to drive end-to-end operational excellence and optimize supply chain and business operations in a dynamic, high-standards environment? We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Asia Pacific Operations to oversee all aspects of manufacturing, procurement, supply chain coordination, and quality assurance for Neros Technologies in the Asia Pacific region. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques, robust supply chain management principles, and a proven ability to manage complex outsourced production elements. The ideal candidate will thrive in a technology-focused, potentially start-up setting, possessing strong negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and exceptional communication abilities to lead cross-functional teams and influence executive leadership.

You will be responsible for leading and optimizing the entire production and supply chain process, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, equipment, and services needed for our R&D, production, and general operations. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills and a deep understanding of supply chain management in a technology-focused environment. You will lead end-to-end production operations in a complex, high-standards environment, overseeing manufacturing processes, supply chain coordination, quality assurance, and related cross-functional teams. Supply chain and operations activities are planned across a number of Asian countries so a deep understanding of local policies, regulations and vendors across the Pacific is a must.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• • Develop and execute comprehensive production and procurement strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Oversee capacity planning, resource allocation, and cost management for both production and supply chain operations.
  • Develop and manage the procurement budget, monitoring expenditures and optimizing resources.
  • Ensure production and supply chain activities meet on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets.

• Production & Manufacturing Oversight:

• • Identify production partners or green field locations for the establishment of Neros production facilities in the Pacific.
  • Work with regional authorities to ensure that our manufacturing operations are compliant.
  • Help build production operations teams from the ground up with minimal oversight.
  • Utilize data-driven decision-making to refine production workflows and enhance operational excellence.

• Supply Chain & Procurement Management:

• • Lead and optimize the end-to-end procurement process, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials, equipment, and services.
  • Conduct detailed cost analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements across the supply chain.
  • Manage inventory, lead times, and cost structure to optimize supply chain efficiency and resilience. Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and industry developments to inform procurement strategies.

• Supplier & Vendor Relationship Management:

• • Identify, evaluate, and qualify potential suppliers and vendors, conducting thorough assessments to ensure they meet quality, cost, and delivery standards.
  • Lead contract negotiations with key suppliers to establish beneficial agreements and maintain long-term partnerships, ensuring terms and conditions align with company needs and risk management policies.
  • Oversee vendor relationships and outsourced production activities, ensuring supplier performance aligns with internal standards.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers to foster collaboration, innovation, and effective communication, addressing and resolving any supply-related issues promptly.

• Quality, Compliance & Risk Management:

• • Implement and refine quality management systems to meet certifications and regulatory requirements common in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or electronics sectors.
  • Ensure all procurement and production activities comply with relevant regulations, internal policies, and ethical standards.

• Team Leadership & Development:

• • Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team across production and procurement, including managers and frontline staff.
  • Define roles, responsibilities, and KPIs for team members to ensure accountability and transparency in performance expectations.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and teamwork.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• • Lead and manage cross-functional teams spanning manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering, finance, and R&D.
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners (vendors, procurement, logistics, R&D) to ensure seamless integration of production and supply chain processes.
  • Present production and procurement metrics, progress updates, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, communicating complex operational information clearly and concisely to influence decision-making.

You should have the following

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) preferred.
• Strong experience working with both supply chains and production operations in multiple countries in the Pacific.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in production management and procurement, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in advanced manufacturing environments (e.g., aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, or similar high-tech industries), including familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and outsourced production components.
• Proven experience in negotiating and managing complex supplier contracts and relationships.
• Experience with procurement software and data analytics tools.

Skills:

• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and report clearly and credibly to executives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strategic mindset paired with hands-on operational experience.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and ethical procurement standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience reading and interpreting engineering diagrams and documentation
• Experience with purchasing electronic components such as PCBs and PCBAs (Highly preferred).
• Experience with purchasing custom-fabricated components (various materials).
• Fluency in Mandarin, Japanese or Korean

US Salary Range

$175,000 – $250,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros’ total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.