Localization Program Manager Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

About You and the Role
Does the prospect of a society-altering challenge-owning global commodity strategy and driving end-to-end supply chain outcomes for a first-of-its-kind autonomous robotic aircraft system-sound like the type of work that gets you out of bed in the morning? Can you cut through complexity, competing priorities, and high-stakes negotiations to deliver breakthrough sourcing results that balance cost, quality, risk, and scalability? Are you undeterred by the authority and responsibility that comes with leading strategic supplier relationships and commodity leadership in a mission-critical, high-visibility position? If this excites you, you're who we're looking for! 

This is an in-person role based out of our HQ in South San Francisco requiring 20-30% travel to manage critical global suppliers and partners in North America, Asia, Europe, and other key regions.

What You'll Do
In this highly visible strategic role, you will own global commodity strategy and end-to-end supplier management for one or more critical commodities or categories, ensuring Zipline secures the right sources, contracts, performance, and innovations to support aggressive manufacturing ramps and long-term scalability. You will serve as the primary strategic interface with suppliers and collaborate closely with Engineering, Supplier Industrialization, Material Planning, Manufacturing Operations, Strategic Sourcing leadership, and executive teams to shape Zipline's supply base for reliability, competitiveness, and resilience.

• Develop and execute comprehensive global commodity strategies, including market analysis, source investigation, supplier selection, risk assessment, and long-term sourcing roadmaps aligned with Zipline's technology roadmap and production goals.
• Lead source selection processes, issue and evaluate RFQs/RFPs, conduct thorough supplier due diligence, and drive competitive bidding to achieve optimal total cost, quality, capacity, and innovation outcomes.
• Negotiate and manage high-value, complex contracts, commercial terms, pricing agreements, volume commitments, and service level agreements with global suppliers.
• Own ongoing supplier relationship management, performance monitoring, quarterly business reviews (QBRs), scorecards, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive measurable gains in cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility.
• Lead sourcing councils, executive supplier engagements, and cross-functional teams to align on commodity priorities, resolve escalations, and mitigate supply risks (e.g., geopolitical, capacity, obsolescence).
• Manage supplier claims, disputes, and recovery processes; ensure contractual compliance and protect Zipline's interests in high-stakes scenarios.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Industrialization to incorporate design requirements, qualification milestones, and technology transitions into sourcing strategies.
• Drive strategic initiatives such as dual-sourcing, localization, vertical integration evaluations, and supply chain resilience programs to support Zipline's global expansion and risk profile.
• Monitor global market trends, commodity pricing dynamics, and supplier landscapes; provide forward-looking insights and recommendations to leadership on sourcing decisions and cost forecasting.

What You'll Bring

• You have 1-10+ years of experience in a fast-paced, high-growth environment in roles such as Global Supply Manager, Commodity Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Technical Program Manager, or equivalent strategic positions within aerospace, robotics, automotive, high-tech, or advanced manufacturing.
• You have a proven track record of developing and executing global commodity strategies, leading source selection, negotiating large multi-national supply agreements/contracts, and managing complex supplier relationships from qualification through sustained high-volume production.
• You excel at high-stakes commercial negotiations, contract management, and driving aggressive cost reductions while maintaining quality, delivery, and enabling rapid iteration and manufacturing innovation.
• You have experience conducting supplier due diligence, risk assessments, QBRs, supplier performance reviews, and make vs. buy analyses.
• You have successfully managed end-to-end supply outcomes for critical commodities or categories in dynamic, scaling environments with frequent engineering changes and aggressive ramps.
• You are comfortable leading cross-functional teams, influencing peers and executives, and making tough trade-off decisions amid uncertainty, limited resources, and high business impact.
• You have strong analytical skills for market intelligence, should-cost modeling, total cost analysis, and supply risk forecasting.

Major Bonuses 

• Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field, with experience in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, robotics, medical devices).
• Demonstrated first-principles negotiation and problem-solving, with measurable results in cost savings, global supply strategy justification, and risk mitigation.
• Experience in regulated environments with AS9100/ISO9001 requirements and complex global supplier networks across multiple geographies.
• Strong technical familiarity with key technologies relevant to autonomous systems (e.g., composites, electronics, precision machining, motors, batteries).
• Strong executive presence and project leadership in driving strategic sourcing decisions and challenging supplier transitions.

What Else You Need to Know
This role will require travel 20-30% of the time to critical global suppliers, partner facilities, and key stakeholder meetings. The starting cash range for this role is $121,800 - $251,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.