Procurement Manager, Development & Contract Manufacturing

About the Role

Charm is entering a critical phase of scaling our next-generation pyrolysis and injection systems through external manufacturing partnerships and internal development hardware build & test campaigns. As Procurement Manager, Development & Contract Manufacturing, you will serve as the primary liaison between Charm and our contract manufacturer responsible for building the next iteration of our pyrolysis machines and injection skids, while also supporting routine procurement activity based on engineering purchasing requests for in-house system development.

This role requires deep cross-functional partnership between procurement, engineering, and operations, and focuses on driving day-to-day program execution, coordination, and visibility across internal teams and our manufacturing partner(s). You will translate engineering requirements into actionable manufacturing plans, track progress, and proactively identify risks to schedule, cost, and quality.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, this role supports execution of Charm’s rapid in-house development cycles & longer term contract manufacturing strategy by ensuring production activities are aligned with defined program objectives, supplier agreements, and broader procurement priorities. You will surface risks early, facilitate structured issue resolution, and help maintain strong coordination between Charm and our suppliers throughout the development and build lifecycle.

Your Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Charm’s Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to intake and action tactical procurement requests for hardware development, often working within quick turnaround time requirements

• Help onboard new vendors and identify cost-efficient procurement strategies, keeping a keen eye on balancing schedule and cost to meet Charm’s goals

• Drive procurement execution, including planning, scheduling, and delivery tracking

• Communicate logistics and schedule updates to Responsible Engineers, as well as any actions needed to recover potential schedule delays

• Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with the contract manufacturer for production execution and coordination

• Translate engineering designs, BOMs, and specifications into clear manufacturing requirements and build plans through collaboration with Engineering Technical Program Management and Manufacturing Engineering

• Monitor production progress and identify risks related to cost, schedule, and quality; escalate as needed to Procurement leadership

• Facilitate issue resolution and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) across Charm and the contract manufacturer, ensuring alignment and timely follow-through

• Support supplier performance management by tracking KPIs and preparing inputs for formal reviews led by Procurement

• Lead regular program updates, build readiness assessments, and production status reviews with internal stakeholders

• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), inspections, and commissioning readiness

• Develop and maintain program documentation, including timelines, risk registers, and status reporting

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, manufacturability enhancements, and more efficient program execution

• Support spare parts replenishment execution using Charm’s Kanban system(s) and inventory triggers, ensuring consistent material availability while balancing lead times, stocking levels, and cost efficiency

You Bring

• 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, hardware program management, operations, or related roles

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Business, or a related field

• Experience working with contract manufacturers, suppliers, or external production partners

• Strong program management skills, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and cross-functional coordination

• Ability to interpret technical documentation (e.g., drawings, BOMs, process flows) and translate them into executable manufacturing plans

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to bridge technical, operational, and commercial teams

• Demonstrated ability to drive complex projects forward in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

• Strong problem-solving mindset with a bias toward ownership and execution

• Experience in industrial equipment, energy systems, climate tech, or other hardware-centric industries

Bonus if you Bring

• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) or scaling hardware from prototype to production

• Background in supplier management, vendor coordination, or commercial operations support

• Familiarity with manufacturing engineering concepts such as DFM (Design for Manufacturability) or production readiness

• Experience with both mechanical and electrical/controls system procurement 

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools

• Exposure to cost modeling, should-cost analysis, or program budgeting

• Prior experience at a high-growth startup or scaling industrial hardware programs