Hardware Operations Lead

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Hardware Operations Lead based in the United States. This role will lead the end-to-end hardware operation supporting customer launches across Europe and the United States. You will own the supply chain from signed contract through procurement, configuration, shipping, installation, and ongoing support. Working closely with Delivery, Product, and Engineering, you will help define the recommended hardware portfolio while ensuring devices meet customer, technical, reliability, and cost requirements. You will also build strong relationships with vendors, distributors, installers, and field engineers. As the first dedicated hardware operations leader, you will establish scalable processes, improve visibility into demand and inventory, and proactively manage supply risks. This is a highly cross-functional role with direct influence on launch readiness, operational efficiency, and customer experience.

Own the hardware order pipeline from customer contract through delivery and installation, ensuring correctly configured equipment arrives at each site on schedule. Establish and maintain the recommended hardware portfolio in partnership with Product and Engineering, evaluating devices based on customer requirements, performance, reliability, and cost. Manage procurement and supplier relationships, including purchase orders, lead times, commercial terms, service levels, pricing, and hardware margins. Forecast hardware demand based on the delivery pipeline and maintain appropriate inventory levels while balancing launch readiness with working capital. Identify and mitigate supply risks, including single-source dependencies, product allocation constraints, and end-of-life hardware, while qualifying suitable alternatives. Coordinate international freight, customs, duties, Incoterms, and shipping documentation across multiple European markets and the United States. Build and manage a network of installers and field engineers, coordinating schedules, rates, briefings, and service quality with the Delivery team. Oversee RMA, warranty, repair, hardware catalogue, pricing, and order-record processes while developing reporting and operational processes that can scale with business growth. Requirements: Substantial experience in hardware operations, supply chain, procurement, technical logistics, or a closely related field, with around five years of experience serving as a useful guideline. Hands-on experience with POS systems, payment hardware, kiosks, self-service technology, digital signage, or similar customer-site hardware is essential. Proven experience managing vendors or distributors and evaluating pricing, commercial terms, service quality, and operational risk. Practical knowledge of international shipping, customs, duties, and Incoterms across multiple European markets. Exposure to the US hardware market, including experience with US distributors, international shipments, certifications, power requirements, payment hardware, or freight considerations. Strong technical understanding and the ability to assess hardware specifications alongside Product and Engineering teams. Ability to translate customer delivery pipelines into accurate purchasing and inventory forecasts. Strong communication, organization, operational judgment, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of building processes and following supplier commitments through to completion. Fluent English, an EU base, and the legal right to work in the country of employment. Benefits: High ownership of a function that directly impacts customer launches and operational success. Opportunity to design and establish a hardware operations function and contribute to building the team as the business grows. Direct collaboration with senior delivery, product, engineering, and operational leaders. Work on a product focused on improving dining experiences and reducing food waste. Competitive salary based on experience. Support for professional development and career growth. Remote-first working environment. Two company off-sites or workcations in Europe each year. Remote role with occasional travel to vendors, distributors, and customer sites.

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