Director of Supply Chain Job Summary The Deputy Supply Chain Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all supply chain functions in a mid-sized, AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing and R&D organization. This role is responsible for procurement, production planning, inventory control, logistics, and supplier quality, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. As a key member of the leadership team, this role balances hands-on execution with strategic direction-building scalable processes, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting both production and new product development in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
Responsibilities and Duties: Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Develop and execute supply chain strategy aligned with company growth, production demands, and R&D initiatives
- Lead and mature SIOP/S&OP processes to improve forecast accuracy, capacity planning, and material availability
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment across the business
Procurement & Supplier Strategy
- Lead sourcing strategy, contract negotiations, and supplier selection
- Develop and manage a high-performing, AS9100-compliant supplier base
- Implement dual sourcing and risk mitigation strategies for critical components
- Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery standards
Planning, Inventory & Execution
- Oversee demand planning, production scheduling, and materials management
- Optimize inventory levels to balance working capital targets with service levels
- Improve ERP/MRP utilization and data integrity for better decision-making
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
- Partner with Quality to drive supplier quality performance, audits, and corrective actions
- Support internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory bodies
Logistics & Distribution
- Manage logistics strategy, including freight optimization, warehousing, and distribution
- Improve on-time delivery performance and reduce transportation costs
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and scale a supply chain team (procurement, planning, logistics)
- Establish KPIs and performance management systems
- Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration
Required Qualifications and Skills: Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master's preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including 5+ years in leadership
- Experience in aerospace manufacturing and R&D environments required
- Experience working within an AS9100-certified organization
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in sourcing, planning, inventory, and logistics in a manufacturing setting
- ERP/MRP system experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
- Understanding of aerospace traceability, documentation, and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
Leadership Competencies
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a mid-sized organization
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and executive leadership
- Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving capability
Desired Qualifications and Skills: - APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP)
- Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFARS, or defense contracting requirements
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: - Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
- Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
- Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
- Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
- Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
- Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
Pay Range: $155 - $210k Salary/Exempt
