Material Planner

About DriveNets

DriveNets is a leader in high-scale networking software for AI infrastructure and service providers. The company pioneered a disaggregated networking architecture that transforms the economics of large-scale networks while maximizing performance, utilization, and operational efficiency. DriveNets- powered networks are deployed by global leaders, including AT&T and Comcast, supporting more than 30% of total U.S. internet traffic. DriveNets AI Fabric delivers full-stack networking for AI infrastructures, providing the highest- performance, Ethernet-based alternative to InfiniBand. The solution is deployed by hyperscalers, NeoClouds, and enterprises worldwide. With over $1B raised, DriveNets continues to push the boundaries of modern networking infrastructure.

1. Role Purpose

The Material Planner is the operational owner of the Contract Manufacturer (CM) relationship for materials working closely with CMs to build the material forecast and to resolve material availability gaps and shortages. The role receives the products forecast from Global Demand Supply (covering CMs, ODMs, and other supply partners) and translates it into supply for each CM and plans the consigned material demand-supply for CM and ODM partners.

Works with Engineering to keep the Finished Goods NS BOMs updated reflecting the product’s consigned parts.

Reports to the Global Demand supply (S&OP) mgr, feeding CM supply plan and supply commit status into the company’s consolidated supply-demand picture.

2. Core Responsibilities

2.1 Material Forecast & CM Interface

• Receive the products forecast from Global Demand Supply (for CMs, ODMs, and other supply partners) and translate it into the consigned material demand-supply plan.

• Build and maintain the material forecast with CMs; work with them continuously to identify and resolve material availability gaps and shortages.

• Own the CM’s supply plan and supply commit; report status and risks back to Global Demand Supply for the company supply-demand picture.

2.2 Consigned Material & BOM Management

• Plan consigned material demand and supply for CM/ODM partners based on the products forecast.

• Update, together with Engineering, the Finished Goods NS BOMs to reflect the product’s consigned parts.

• Keep consigned-part records aligned between ERP/PLM and CM systems.

2.3 Subcontractor & Supply Partner Management

• Act as the primary day-to-day owner for all material preparedness with the Contract Manufacturer (CM) for materials and with the ODM on consigned parts.

• Execute procurement policies — order frequency, batch sizes, lead-time commitments, and pricing structures (NRE, unit cost, tooling) — within the commercial framework set by the Global Planning Manager.

• Manage quarterly and annual capacity allocation agreements, ensuring CM partners secure manufacturing slots aligned with forecast.

• Track CM KPIs (on-time delivery, cost variance, flexibility to demand changes); lead business reviews (MBRs/QBRs) with subcontractors and drive corrective action plans; prepare quarterly CM reconciliation for Global Planning Manager approval.

• Support end-of-life (EOL) and new product introduction (NPI) supply strategies in collaboration with Product, HW R&D, Engineering, and the Global Planning Manager.

2.4 Inventory & Continuity of Supply

• Set and maintain safety stock policies globally, balancing service level targets against inventory carrying cost.

• Monitor excess & obsolete (E&O) inventory and drive disposition actions (rework, scrap, resale).

• Develop multi-source strategies for single-source components to reduce supply concentration risk.

• Ensure component-level visibility for critical long-lead items (ASICs, Memories, power components) and manage buffer strategies accordingly.

2.5 Capacity Planning & Ramp Management

• Translate product roadmap milestones into manufacturing capacity requirements (line capacity, test capacity, packaging).

• Negotiate and document capacity commitments with Supply partners — including upside flexibility clauses — and report them to the Global Planning Manager for governance approval.

• Lead ramp-up planning for new product introductions: yield ramp, volume milestones, qualification gates.

• 4+ years in Materials Planning, Supply planning in a hardware company.

• Hands-on experience managing Contract Manufacturer (CM) relationships forecasting, material availability, shortages, and consigned inventory.

• Working knowledge of BOM structures, PLM/ERP systems, and engineering change processes.

• Strong Excel/data analysis skills; comfortable working with forecast and inventory data at part-number level.

• Familiar with AI tools, using AI tools

• Fluent in English; clear written and verbal communication with CM/ODM counterparts and internal engineering teams.

Preferred

• Experience working with EMS/CM - contract manufacturing

• Experience in hardware companies, PCBA/box-build environments.

• Exposure to AI-based planning or forecasting tools.

Skills

• Detail-oriented, with strong follow-through on shortages and exceptions.

• Effective cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Procurement, and CMs/ODMs.

• Data-driven; comfortable with ERP/PLM tooling and BOM management.

DriveNets is on a mission to build a special company comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

DriveNets is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on upon race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.