Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and execution-oriented Vice President of Hardware to lead our hardware business end-to-end. In this role, you will own the strategy, product, supply chain operations & distribution, and execution of the Company's hardware appliance portfolio.

The VP of Hardware will partner with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Operations to define and execute our hardware strategy and ensure that we have the right products, partners, economics, and operational infrastructure to support the growth of the business. The VP of Hardware will work with our key hardware partners, including ODMs and master distributors, and will ensure alignment between our product strategy, customer demand, and operational execution.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical and product judgment with deep experience in hardware supply chains, distribution, forecasting, pricing, and customer engagement.
What You'll Do:

• Hardware appliance strategy and product line management
• Own the hardware appliance strategy and roadmap, and align with product requirements, customer needs, and business goals.
• Lead build-versus-partner decisions. Establish a clear business case and complete technical, commercial, and operational evaluation before committing to a new appliance.
• Own the hardware product line across its lifecycle, including portfolio planning, launches, transitions, and end-of-life decisions.
• Lead appliance costing and pricing strategy, balancing competitiveness, margin, and long-term viability.
• Structure and approve hardware pricing for strategic or exceptional deals within the company's approval framework.
• Hardware programs and certifications
• Ensure new hardware programs are delivered against agreed specifications, quality standards, budgets, and launch timelines.
• Oversee hardware certifications required for target products, markets, and customers.
• Identify program risks early and drive decisions across internal teams and external partners to keep launches on track.
• Supply chain and ODM partnerships
• Define and execute the ODM strategy, including partner selection, performance management, and consolidation where it improves scale and efficiency.
• Build sufficient volume with strategic ODM partners to strengthen pricing, capacity access, quality, and execution.
• Own senior-level engagement with ODMs such as Jabil, Advantech, Accton, and other relevant partners.
• Drive improvements in supply continuity, lead times, inventory exposure, and total landed cost.
• Forecasting distribution and operations
• Work with Sales and other stakeholders to establish a regular internal and external demand forecast for the appliance portfolio.
• Lead engagement with master distributors and develop a stocking and warehousing strategy that supports customer delivery commitments.
• Partner with Sales on distributor relationships and define appropriate inventory buffers based on demand, lead times, and service expectations.
• Monitor supply, inventory, and fulfillment performance and take corrective action when demand or partner performance changes.
• Sales and customer engagement
• Support Sales in customer engagements, both proactively for strategic opportunities and reactively when hardware questions or issues arise.
• Provide clear guidance on appliance selection, availability, lifecycle, and commercial options.
• Bring customer and field feedback into hardware roadmap, pricing, and partner decisions.

Requirements
Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in hardware, networking, infrastructure, computing, telecommunications, or a related technology industry
• Significant leadership experience in hardware product management, appliance engineering, supply chain, or a related technology business.
• Proven experience taking hardware appliances from business case through development, certification, production, and commercial launch.
• Experience leading commercial negotiations and managing senior relationships with manufacturing partners.
• Ability to make sound trade-offs across customer requirements, technical capability, cost, margin, supply risk, and time to market.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work directly with executives, sales teams, partners, and customers.
• Demonstrated experience leading a hardware business, product line, or hardware organization from strategy through execution.
• Strong understanding of hardware product development, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations.
• Strong experience working with ODMs, contract manufacturers, distributors, and hardware ecosystem partners.
• Experience with partners such as Jabil, Flex, Foxconn, Advantech, Accton, or comparable organizations is highly valuable.
• Experience developing and managing hardware product roadmaps and making build-vs.-partner decisions.
• Strong understanding of hardware economics, including BOM costs, margins, pricing, inventory, and working capital.
• Experience with demand forecasting, capacity planning, inventory management, and supply-chain risk.
• Experience managing strategic distributor and channel relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Sales and directly with customers.
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to evaluate business cases and partner proposals.
• Excellent cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively at both the strategic and operational levels-moving from long-term strategy to detailed execution when required.

Location: Santa Clara, CA
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the US

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment in California, Washington, or New York City is expected in the range of $275,000 to $350,000. A candidate's specific pay within this range will depend on a variety of factors, including job-related skills, training, location, experience, relevant education, certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Benefits
Why Versa?

At Versa Networks, we believe in taking care of our people - both professionally and personally. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. When you join our team, you can expect:

• Competitive Salary & Incentives: We offer a competitive compensation package with and pre-IPO equity to reward your hard work and dedication.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to ensure you and your family stay healthy and covered.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy a generous PTO policy that includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to recharge and take care of personal matters.
• Flexible Work Environment: We understand the importance of work-life balance. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work, and hybrid option to create the work schedule that works best for you.
• Professional Development: We believe in continuous learning. Access to training, certifications, and educational resources to help you grow in your career and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Employee Recognition: We celebrate achievements both big and small, with regular recognition programs and awards that highlight your contributions to our collective success.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive team where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policies to support you during life's important moments.

At Versa Networks, our benefits are designed to help you thrive both inside and outside the office. Join us and experience a rewarding, fulfilling career in a supportive environment that values your health, happiness, and success.