Material Program Manager

The Materials Program Manager at Wayve is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end materials execution for the company's autonomous vehicle and hardware programs in Japan. This role involves close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and the global Supply Chain team to ensure efficient material flow from suppliers through to workshops and vehicle upfitting locations, maintaining visibility, cost control, and compliance throughout the process.

Key responsibilities include managing materials procurement activities in coordination with sourcing and purchasing teams, driving the Clear to Build (CTB) process with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and ensuring clear visibility into procurement strategy, material availability, lead times, and build readiness. The role also involves supporting supplier negotiations on pricing, availability, and scale readiness, as well as coordinating and overseeing material receiving, secure storage, and outbound shipping in compliance with local Japanese logistics and customs requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience bringing newly developed products to scale through supplier and partner relationships, strong project or program management experience with the ability to influence across teams, and experience coordinating materials procurement, receiving, storage, and shipping. Professional proficiency in English and Japanese (written and verbal) is required, along with knowledge of Japanese logistics, import/export regulations, and local business etiquette. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is the ability to perform cost analysis and support negotiations.

This is a full-time role based in Wayve's offices in either Tokyo or Yokohama. The company operates a hybrid working policy that combines time together in offices and workshops to fuel innovation, culture, relationships, and learning, with time spent working from home. Core working hours are in place, allowing employees to determine the schedule that works best for them and their team. Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience and encourages candidates who are passionate about self-driving cars and making a positive impact on the world to apply.