Director, Sourcing & Procurement

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end procurement function, including strategic sourcing, supplier management, supplier quality, and supplier engineering initiatives
• Develop, transform, and execute sourcing strategies that align with program requirements, production schedules, and long-term business objectives. Balance fast-paced development requirements with mature customer programs
• Establish and create category management strategy for supply base
• Build and maintain a high-performing supplier base capable of supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing requirements, including scalability, quality, delivery, and cost targets
• Lead supplier engineering efforts to improve supplier process capability, product conformity, and manufacturing readiness
• Manage supplier performance metrics, including on-time delivery, quality performance, responsiveness, and cost reduction initiatives
• Partner closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to support new product introduction (NPI), qualification activities, first article inspections (FAI), and supplier readiness for production ramp
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives using root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process improvement methodologies
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long-lead material constraints, single-source dependencies, geopolitical concerns, and supplier capacity limitations
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and supplier agreements to optimize cost, lead time, and commercial terms
• Ensure procurement and supplier management activities comply with aerospace and defense regulatory requirements, including ITAR/EAR and AS9100 standards
• Develop deep knowledge of ERP/MRP systems to improve procurement process including material visibility, purchasing efficiency, and inventory performance
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, Planning, Program Management, and Finance to align procurement strategies with production and customer delivery commitments
• Drive process standardization, procurement policy improvements, and scalable systems to support organizational growth
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement and supplier engineering team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Provide regular reporting and strategic insights to executive leadership regarding supplier performance, material availability, procurement risk, and cost trends

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, supplier quality, or supplier engineering within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Proven experience leading procurement and supplier management functions in a complex, cross-functional organization
• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, cost management, and procurement operations
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier quality and supplier development initiatives in regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting production scaling, new product introduction, and engineering-driven procurement activities
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical drawings, specifications, and quality systems
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement planning tools
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Experience

• Advanced degree (MBA or MS) in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, or related field
• Experience in a high-growth or startup aerospace and defense company
• Familiarity with rocket propulsion systems, complex machined components, castings, forgings, and long-lead materials
• Knowledge of aerospace quality and compliance standards, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and EAR requirements
• Experience leading supplier audits, qualification activities, and corrective action programs
• APICS/ASCM certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) and/or supplier quality certifications
• Experience implementing procurement process improvements and scalable supply chain systems