Director of Operations

Description

IRP Systems is an Israeli deep\-tech company at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) power electronics. We design and manufacture advanced semiconductor\-based power conversion systems — our proprietary In\-Reactor Processing (IRP) technology enables ultra\-efficient, compact, and scalable charging and conversion solutions for the EV industry. With R\&D in Israel, manufacturing operations in Bangalore (India), and a European hub in Barcelona's Zona Franca, IRP Systems operates across three continents in a fast\-moving, entrepreneurial environment where speed, precision, and ownership culture define how we work.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly experienced, hands\-on Director of Operations to lead and integrate our Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Manufacturing functions from our Bangalore operations hub. This is a critical hire: you will be the operational backbone of IRP's production engine, working at the intersection of global supplier networks, local manufacturing, and a fast\-evolving EV technology roadmap.

You will bring order, speed, and strategic judgment to an environment that moves fast and demands decisions in real time. You are not a process bureaucrat — you are a builder and a fixer. When a supplier goes dark, a shipment is stuck at customs, or a production line slows down, you are the person who finds the path forward. You will also build the operational systems, policies, and supplier relationships that reduce how often those situations arise.

You’ll be responsible for the following

Operations Leadership

• Own and lead the three core operational pillars: Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Manufacturing, ensuring alignment with IRP's growth and delivery targets.
• Act as the main operational bridge between India operations and global leadership, reporting directly to the CEO.
• Design and enforce operational processes, purchasing policies, and SOPs that scale with the business.
• Drive the adoption and optimization of Priority (our ERP system) across all operational workflows, including order automation, stock management, and procurement tracking.

Supply Chain \& Procurement

• Own end\-to\-end supply chain strategy and execution — from raw material sourcing to component delivery into production.
• Build and manage a strategic supplier base spanning India and international markets (Asia, Europe, US), with a focus on quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Lead supplier qualification, evaluation, and development processes; negotiate contracts, pricing, and lead times with key suppliers.
• Identify and onboard alternative/backup suppliers proactively to mitigate single\-source risk.
• Anticipate and manage supply disruptions with practical, intelligent solutions — you have been there before and know how to keep the line moving.
• Implement tools and automation to optimize purchase order cycles, inventory levels, and supplier performance tracking.

Manufacturing Oversight

• Oversee manufacturing operations in Bangalore, ensuring output quality, delivery schedules, and cost targets are met.
• Work closely with the Manufacturing Engineer to translate production plans into actionable schedules.
• Monitor KPIs across manufacturing: yield, cycle time, on\-time delivery, cost per unit.
• Identify capacity bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Strategic Decision\-Making

• Make fast, well\-reasoned decisions under pressure — balancing short\-term operational needs with long\-term strategic positioning.
• Advise the CEO on supply chain risks, investment in tooling/capacity, and make\-vs\-buy decisions.
• Lead supplier negotiations for strategic agreements — long\-term contracts, volume commitments, payment terms.

• *Skills and Qualifications:**

Must\-Have Experience

• 10\+ years of progressive operations experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role covering Supply Chain and/or Manufacturing.
• Mandatory background in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector or broader automotive/automotive\-grade electronics industry.
• Demonstrated international experience — managing cross\-border supply chains, working with global suppliers, and collaborating with teams across multiple geographies.
• Proven track record of managing and resolving supply disruption crises: component shortages, supplier failures, logistics delays, customs holds. We want to hear the story.
• Strong negotiation skills with both Indian and international suppliers — you know the difference and you navigate both.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement automation tools. Hands\-on experience with Priority is a strong plus.
• Excellent English communication skills — written and spoken. You will present to and communicate with the CEO, international partners, and suppliers.

The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here

• You are a builder, not just a manager: you can design a system from scratch and also roll up your sleeves when needed.
• You make decisions with incomplete information and take accountability for the outcome.
• You move fast, adapt fast, and don't need a perfect process to get things done.
• You keep calm when things break — and things will break. Your value is in how you respond.
• You understand that in a scaling deep\-tech company, no two weeks are the same.

Nice to Have

• Experience in semiconductor, power electronics, or hardware manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with automotive\-grade component standards (IATF 16949, AEC\-Q).
• Network of established supplier relationships in India and/or Asia.
• Experience working with or within Israeli or international startup/scale\-up environments.