Teleo, a Havoc company, is a robotics company that transforms construction heavy equipment, including loaders, dozers, excavators, and trucks, into autonomous robots for commercial and defense applications. Our technology enables a single operator to supervise and control multiple machines simultaneously, delivering significant productivity gains while improving operator safety and comfort.
Teleo was founded by a team of experienced technology leaders who previously led the development of Lyft's Self-Driving Car program and Google Street View. Teleo recently announced its merger with Havoc AI, a fast-growing defense technology company developing coordinated fleets of autonomous maritime vessels.
This is a unique opportunity to join a team building technology with real-world impact. You will work on cutting-edge 100,000-pound autonomous robots and engineer complex systems at the intersection of hardware, software, robotics, and AI.
Role Overview
We’re looking for a hands-on, pragmatic Head of Supply Chain to build and lead our supply chain function during a high-growth phase.
This is not a “strategy-only” role. You’ll be deep in the details—fixing gaps, tightening execution, and bringing order to a complex hardware environment. Ideally, you’ve worked in a robotics or early-stage hardware startup and are comfortable operating where processes are still evolving.
You’ll work closely with Engineering, Operations, and external manufacturing partners to ensure we can deliver product on time, at cost, and at the right level of quality.
Key Responsibilities
Own end-to-end supply chain operations across ~1,000+ parts and multiple SKUs
Build and scale core processes for planning, sourcing, and fulfillment (ERP-driven where appropriate)
Bring discipline to inventory management, forecasting, and material planning
Improve visibility and reliability across the supply chain
Own the relationship with our contract manufacturer(s)
Drive execution on build schedules, quality, cost, and delivery commitments
Ensure strong alignment between internal priorities and external execution
Work closely with Engineering to ensure designs are manufacturable and supply-ready
Identify BOM risks early (cost, availability, lifecycle, lead time) and help resolve them
Support NPI and ECO processes in a way that keeps momentum without breaking things
Build and maintain a reliable supplier base for complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply agreements
Reduce supply risk through smart sourcing strategies, including dual sourcing where needed
Implement and manage inventory control systems appropriate for the stage and complexity
Balance working capital with production needs
Monitor and optimize lead times across the supply chain
Implement practical inventory control and planning systems appropriate for a fast-moving startup
Balance working capital constraints with production needs
Continuously reduce lead time variability and improve predictability
Serve as a clear point of coordination across Engineering, Finance, and Leadership
Translate supply constraints into actionable tradeoffs
Keep teams aligned when priorities shift
Supply Chain Leadership & Execution
Contract Manufacturing Management
Engineering Collaboration
Vendor & Sourcing Management
Inventory & Planning
Operational Problem Solving
Cross-Functional Communication
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing leadership
Proven experience managing contract manufacturers
Strong background in complex hardware products (hydraulics, metal, electronics, harnesses)
Demonstrated ability to work closely with Engineering teams to drive product readiness
Experience managing multiple SKUs and large BOMs (1,000+ parts)
Deep understanding of inventory management, MRP systems, and planning
Experience presenting and communicating effectively with executive leadership (C-suite or equivalent), translating operational detail into clear tradeoffs and recommendations
Key Traits for Success
Hands-on operator not afraid to dive into details
Proactive self-starter who identifies issues before they escalate
Strong communicator who can align technical and non-technical stakeholders
Resilient problem solver with real-world hard-earned experience from past challenges
Comfortable with ambiguity in a fast-moving startup environment
Structured but pragmatic, knows when to build a process and when to move fast
Nice to Have
Experience in early-stage robotics or autonomous systems companies
Exposure to high-mix, low-to-mid volume manufacturing
ERP/MRP implementation or optimization experience (NetSuite a plus)
Interest or experience in more AI-driven approaches to supply chain / ERP systems
Teleo Palo Alto, California, USA Office
Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94306
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