Distribution Strategy & Inventory Manager

Waymo Operations exists to deliver the Waymo Driver to the world. We are a global team building and scaling the world's first and leading autonomous fleet and operations platform. From component sourcing to end customer management, we enable and create value for Waymo through scaled and orchestrated deployment of the Waymo Driver. At Waymo, we are dedicated to building a culture that promotes inclusivity and celebration. We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences; recognize that inclusive actions lead to equitable outcomes; and support and encourage all team members to share their ideas to help Waymo better serve the communities in which we operate.

You will report to our Head of Vehicle/SDS Supply Planning and Materials Ops and be based in the Bay Area.

You will:

• You will design and optimize the distribution network, evaluate current warehouse locations, transportation routes, and fulfillment nodes to maximize speed while minimizing total landed cost.
• Develop a 3-5 year distribution strategy that aligns with company growth targets.
• Architect a flexible warehousing ecosystem that optimizes the balance between owned facilities and strategic 3PL partnerships and design and oversee the utilization of Bonded Warehouses and Foreign Trade Zones to defer duty payments and improve cash flow on imported goods.
• Be responsible for all vehicle and parts related inventory operations across Waymo. Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practices that support the Aftermarket Parts Distribution vision, strategy, policies, processes and standard operating procedures to aid and improve performance.
• Design and establish a closed-loop reverse logistics channel for hardware assets. Oversee the end-to-end RMA process including triage, testing, refurbishment, and value recovery to maximize yield on returned inventory.
• Drive SAP inventory functionality and master data governance: Leverage SAP modules to manage inventory processes, ensure accurate material master data, and lead system improvements or integrations.
• Mitigate supply chain risks: Identify and monitor potential inventory risks (e.g., single-source suppliers, long lead-time parts), develop mitigation strategies such as buffer stock, alternate sourcing, or VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory)
• Lead inventory and warehouse performance initiatives: Drive strategic improvements by identifying inefficiencies, implementing process enhancements, and managing KPIs across inventory, warehousing, and vendor performance—focusing on accuracy, service levels, cost, and efficiency.
• Examine the levels of materials in inventory and take appropriate action to mitigate excess and obsolete inventory with the goal of maintaining a healthy level of weeks of supply. Ultimately ensure the integrity of inventory accuracy and manage stock movements.
• Create detailed inventory operation reports with the goal to provide visibility to leadership.
• Ensure all warehousing operations adhere to laws, guidelines, and ISO requirements with regard to Inventory

You have:

• 10+ years of demonstrated success managing a hybrid fulfillment ecosystem, managing complex distribution networks, specifically involving a mix of owned sites and 3PL partnerships, implementing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs with global suppliers and Bonded Warehouses or Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ)
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience establishing a rigorous supply chain risk management framework
• Proven experience working with SAP in the past 3 years
• Prior experience in consumer electronics or automotive
• Advanced GSheets and data analytics skills
• Strong working knowledge of inventory metrics (e.g., inventory turns, days of supply, fill rate, excess & obsolete analysis).

We prefer:

• Prior experience in consumer electronics or automotive
• MBA is strongly preferred.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP (Certified in Production and Inventory Management / Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• SC Risk Management certifications
• Experience in a high-complexity industry such as automotive and electronics.
• Hands-on experience with inventory segmentation models (e.g., ABC/XYZ analysis) and service level optimization techniques.