Head of Manufacturing Operations

About Wing:

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.

About The Role:

Wing is looking for a Head of Manufacturing Operations to join our Manufacturing and Supply Chain team, based in Palo Alto, California. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for defining and executing Wing's global manufacturing operations strategy. This role requires a leader who can operate at a strategic level while maintaining a deep understanding of operational details. The ideal candidate has a passion for building high-performing teams, making a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, and delivering results as part of a dynamic,  quickly scaling organization.

What You'Ll Do:

• Lead and execute strategic manufacturing programs, overseeing all operational aspects from production and quality control to logistics across multiple global regions
• Define and drive New Product Introduction (NPI) program roadmaps, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration with Hardware Engineering, Product, and Sourcing to achieve key milestones for product validation and reliability
• Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives as a program manager, leveraging data and best practices to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain the highest quality standards
• Serve as the primary program liaison, managing stakeholder expectations and communicating program status, risks, and dependencies to executive leadership and key partners
• Establish and enforce program governance, ensuring compliance with all internal standards and external regulations, including quality assurance and security protocols
• Build, lead, and mentor a world-class team of manufacturing program professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence

What You'Ll Need:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing and supply chain environment, preferably in the hardware or robotics industry
• 7+ years of building and leading high-performing manufacturing and operations teams
• Proven experience defining and executing global manufacturing and supply chain strategies
• BA/BS in Engineering (EE, ME) or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing, multi-regional teams
• Deep expertise in NPI (New Product Introduction), product validation, and quality management systems in a complex hardware environment
• Exceptional program management skills with a proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, strategic projects in a matrix organization
• Strong business acumen and a solid understanding of financial metrics related to manufacturing and supply chain operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels of an organization
• Experience with Incoterms, global trade compliance, and vendor security audits
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25% of the time

The US base salary range for this full-time position is the salary range below + bonus + equity + benefits. Wing’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Salary Range$284,000—$302,000 USD

Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.