POSITION SUMMARYThe Head of Supply Chain is a senior leader accountable for the full procurement and supplier ecosystem - from strategic sourcing and supplier qualification through material planning, logistics, and delivery performance. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role leads a multi-functional team of buyers, material planners, and supplier development engineers. The Head of Supply Chain is a key executive partner on make/buy decisions, affordability initiatives, and program risk reviews, and is the primary interface with the supply base for strategic relationships. Leads end-to-end supply chain strategy, procurement, and supplier management to enable on-time, on-cost delivery across all aerospace programs.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- Define and execute enterprise supply chain strategy aligned to program schedules, affordability targets, and risk posture
- Lead, develop, and performance-manage a team of buyers, planners, and supplier development engineers
- Own the supplier qualification and approved vendor list (AVL) strategy
- Drive strategic negotiations and long-term agreements with critical and sole-source suppliers
- Establish supply chain risk management processes for long-lead, sole-source, and ITAR-controlled items
- Represent supply chain in program reviews, EAC/ETC processes, and executive S&OP
- Partner with quality to enforce supplier flow-down requirements and manage SCARs
- Lead affordability and should-cost initiatives across the supply base
- Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, and DFAR procurement requirements
- Define long-term sourcing, supplier segmentation, and cost-optimization strategies aligned with business goals.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, logistics, and finance to ensure continuity of supply and accurate forecasting.
- Support business development with supply chain input on proposals and should-cost models
Leadership & Strategy- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and leadership on supply chain, compliance, and risk matters
- Help define and execute the company's overall supply chain strategy in alignment with business goals
- Builds resilient, diversified supply chains proactively, not reactively
- Translates program requirements into supplier accountability structures
- Navigates competing priorities across cost, schedule, and technical risk
- Develops talent and succession depth within the organization
- Operates with integrity in supplier relationships and procurement ethics
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: Note: Level and compensation will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.Education & Experience- B.S. in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; M.S. or MBA preferred
- 12+ years of supply chain experience in aerospace, defense, or adjacent regulated industry
- Demonstrated leadership of supply chain teams
- Experience owning procurement spend of at least $100M+/yr
- Deep knowledge of AS9100 supplier flow-downs, DFAR, and FAR compliance
- Proven supplier negotiation and strategic sourcing expertise
- CPIM, CSCP, or CPM certification (APICS/ISM) strongly preferred
- Experience managing ITAR-controlled commodity categories and export licensing
- Executive-level communication and cross-functional influence skills
Functional Competencies- Strong business judgment and ability to balance supply chain risk with commercial objectives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Collaborative leadership style with excellent influencing skills
- Strong project management discipline, highly organized, and takes ownership.
- Uses sound judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
- Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results
- Strong agility and adaptability to integrate quickly into a small team.
Persona- Passion for space and the mission.
- Entrepreneurial, growth mindset.
- High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
- Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster.
Core Competencies:Embody our core values of
Leadership,
Innovation, and
Teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Accountability
- Technical Rigor
- Execution Discipline
- Pride of Delivery
WORK ENVIRONMENT:Generally, an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements- Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
- Management has the discretion to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
