Zev Technology Supply Chain DirectorPosition SummaryThe Supply Chain Director oversees the end-to-end supply chain with prior experience/exposure in the firearms, ammunition, optics, and related shooting-sports equipment sectors. The role ensures product availability, regulatory compliance, supplier performance, and operational efficiency across procurement, manufacturing, inventory, logistics, and distribution. This leader drives cost optimization, demand planning accuracy, and supplier reliability while maintaining strict adherence to ATF, ITAR, and industry-specific regulations.
Key Responsibilities- Supply Chain Strategy - Develop and execute long-term supply chain strategies supporting growth, product launches, and channel expansion (retail, LE/MIL, e-commerce, distributors).
- Regulatory Compliance - Ensure all sourcing, transportation, and storage comply with ATF, ITAR, EAR, and hazardous-materials regulations. Maintain documentation and audit readiness.
- Supplier Management - Build and manage a global supplier network for components, supplies used in manufacturing, and OEM assemblies. Negotiate contracts, quality standards, and performance metrics. Work with the quality team to establish specific metrics and approval processes with vendors. Develop and lead a regular cadence of vendor audits, including site visits and operations evaluations.
- Demand & Inventory Planning - Key contributor to the S&OP processes, forecast demand across product lines, and maintain optimal inventory levels for both high-volume and seasonal SKUs. Work with the team sales analyst as it relates to demand planning and forecast.
- Manufacturing & Operations Oversight - Partner with production teams to ensure material availability, reduce downtime, and improve throughput for firearms and accessory manufacturing.
- Cost Optimization - Drive efficiencies in cost-reduction initiatives through supplier consolidation, contract negotiation, and process improvements.
- Risk Management - Identify and mitigate risks related to supply disruptions, geopolitical factors, export controls, and material shortages.
- Team Leadership - Lead and develop teams across procurement, planning, and logistics. Work closely with the compliance team at Zev Technology.
Required Qualifications- 10+ years in supply chain, operations, or procurement; 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Experience in shooting sports, defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing.
- Deep knowledge of ATF regulations, ITAR/EAR, hazmat shipping, and controlled-goods handling.
- Strong background in S&OP, ERP systems and demand-planning tools.
- Proven success in supplier negotiation, cost reduction, and domestic sourcing.
- Ability to manage complex BOMs, long-lead materials, and precision-manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop strong vendor relationships within ethical and sound supply chain management parameters.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with firearms, ammunition, or sporting-goods manufacturing.
- Exposure to Lean/Six Sigma certification.
- Understanding metallurgy, machining, or polymer manufacturing.
- Relationships with key industry suppliers (barrels, actions, components etc.).
- Experience supporting government/LE contracts and compliance audits.
- High SKU complexity (calibers, variants, accessories)
- Demand spikes driven by political cycles and seasonal hunting/shooting trends
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Forecast accuracy and inventory turns
- Supplier on time delivery and quality metrics
- COGS reduction and margin improvement
- Production of up-to-date and material availability
- Compliance audit results
- Lead-time reduction across the supply chain
