Production Operations Manager

Sabanto•Ames, IA

About The Position

At Sabanto, we are delivering farming services that will change the agricultural world. Our team is building a fleet of autonomous agricultural equipment, to enable faster, lower cost, and more efficient farming around the clock, anywhere in the world. We are looking for a new team member to deliver the future of agriculture. As the Production Operations Manager, you will:: Own quoting and procurement of all components used in the company’s autonomy systems Partner with Sales and Planning to forecast demand and coordinate component and kit shipments Manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and issue resolution Track supplier progress and evaluate, coordinate, and approve supplier-requested design changes Establish, operate, and continuously improve processes across: Inbound material inspection and quality control Warehouse material storage, handling, and component sub-assembly Outbound kit assembly, tracking, and shipment Lead and support a team of mechanical and electronics technicians; provide day-to-day direction and coaching Maintain accurate inventory, procurement, and production records within the ERP system Partner with Accounting on accounts payable and receivable processes related to procurement and inventory Create, maintain, and improve ERP workflows supporting procurement, inventory, and production Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD models and 2D drawings Create, release, and maintain bills of material (BOMs) Manage drawing revisions and ensure timely communication of changes to suppliers and internal teams

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or equivalent practical experience
5+ years of hands-on experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing for hardware products
Direct experience sourcing, purchasing, and managing suppliers for electromechanical components
Working knowledge of ERP systems for inventory, purchasing, and production tracking
Experience managing small teams of technicians while remaining personally involved in day-to-day execution
Proven ability to operate in resource-constrained environments and balance speed, cost, and quality
Strong problem-solving skills and comfort making practical decisions with incomplete information
Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Accounting in a fast-moving organization
Knowledge of, and experience to safely work with mechanical and steel fabrication tools.
Comfortable working around loud tools and machinery

Nice To Haves

Experience at an early- to mid-stage startup or small manufacturing organization
Demonstrated cost-reduction or supplier-optimization experience (e.g., lead time reduction, cost-downs, dual sourcing)
Familiarity with warehouse operations, kitting, and light assembly
Practical understanding of mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems (not purely theoretical)
Experience improving processes without dedicated operations or IT support

Responsibilities

Own quoting and procurement of all components used in the company’s autonomy systems
Partner with Sales and Planning to forecast demand and coordinate component and kit shipments
Manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and issue resolution
Track supplier progress and evaluate, coordinate, and approve supplier-requested design changes
Establish, operate, and continuously improve processes across: Inbound material inspection and quality control, Warehouse material storage, handling, and component sub-assembly, Outbound kit assembly, tracking, and shipment
Lead and support a team of mechanical and electronics technicians; provide day-to-day direction and coaching
Maintain accurate inventory, procurement, and production records within the ERP system
Partner with Accounting on accounts payable and receivable processes related to procurement and inventory
Create, maintain, and improve ERP workflows supporting procurement, inventory, and production
Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD models and 2D drawings
Create, release, and maintain bills of material (BOMs)
Manage drawing revisions and ensure timely communication of changes to suppliers and internal teams