Hardware Operations Lead

ABOUT KANPLA

Kanpla helps contract catering providers create better dining experiences while reducing food waste. What began as a school project now serves more than 700,000 users across over 5,000 locations in 14 countries. With more than $10 million raised and a team of 65+ people, we are growing across Europe and building our presence in the US. A great hardware operation can either helps us scale faster or slow down growth, which is why we are creating this role now.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will report to our Head of Delivery and work closely with the Delivery Managers responsible for customer launches. You will partner with Product and Engineering to test and qualify devices, and work across the business on forecasting, pricing, and launch planning. Externally, you will build relationships with vendors, distributors and installers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Every Kanpla launch depends on physical equipment. POS terminals, kitchen display screens, self-service kiosks, and digital signage must be specified, purchased, stored, configured, shipped, installed, and supported across several countries. When that operation works, customers go live on the date we promised. When it does not, the delay and friction is very visible. As our first Hardware Operations Lead, you will bring work that currently sits across several people into one dependable function. You will run the hardware supply chain from signed contract to live site, give Kanpla a reliable view of demand, stock, cost, and supply risk, and help decide which devices we recommend and sell.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Run the hardware order pipeline end to end, ensuring the right configured equipment reaches each customer site in time for launch.
• Set and maintain Kanpla's recommended hardware range with Product and Engineering, qualifying devices against customer needs, reliability, performance, and cost.
• Manage procurement and vendor relationships, including purchase orders, lead times, commercial terms, service levels, pricing, and hardware margins.
• Forecast demand from the delivery pipeline and maintain the right inventory position, balancing launch readiness with responsible use of working capital.
• Identify supply risks early, including single-source dependencies, product allocation, and end-of-life devices, and qualify alternatives before they are needed.
• Coordinate international freight, customs, duties, Incoterms, and shipping documentation across the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, DACH, Benelux, and the US.
• Build and manage our installer and field engineer network, coordinating timing, rates, briefing, and quality with the Delivery team.
• Run RMA, warranty, repair, catalogue, pricing, and order-record processes, and build the reporting the function needs as volumes grow.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

There are different routes into this role. Strong candidates are likely to bring most of the following:

• Substantial experience in hardware operations, supply chain, procurement, or technical logistics. Around five years may be a useful guide, but relevant depth matters more than an exact number.
• Hands-on experience with POS, payments, kiosk, self-service, digital signage, or closely related customer-site hardware. This is an essential part of the role.
• Experience negotiating with vendors or distributors and judging price, commercial terms, service quality, and risk together.
• Practical knowledge of cross-border shipping, customs, duties, and Incoterms across multiple European markets.
• Exposure to the US hardware market, such as shipping into the US, working with US distributors, or navigating certification, power, payments hardware, and freight differences.
• Technical confidence to assess specifications with Product and Engineering, plus comfort turning a delivery pipeline into a purchasing and inventory forecast.
• Clear communication, sound operational judgment, and a record of building processes and following supplier commitments through to an outcome.
• Fluent English, an EU base, and the right to work in the country where you will be employed by Kanpla.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Responsibility for a function that directly affects every customer launch.
• The opportunity to design Kanpla's hardware operations and build a team as the business scales.
• A direct line to the Head of Delivery and close collaboration with leaders across the company.
• A product that helps improve dining experiences.
• Competitive salary based on experience and genuine support for your professional growth.
• Remote-first working and two company off-sites or workcations in Europe each year.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

The role is remote and EU based, supporting the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, DACH, Benelux, and our growing US business. Expect some travel to vendors and distributors and occasional customer-site visits.