Director, Sourcing & Procurement

About the role

Lead the strategic and operational procurement function across direct materials, supplier quality, and supplier engineering. This role supports efficient, scalable manufacturing operations within a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment, driving sourcing strategy, supplier performance, quality compliance, and supplier development initiatives to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence.

Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to enable reliable execution of aerospace and defense programs while strengthening supplier capabilities and mitigating supply chain risk.

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, balancing 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
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 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
• Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction across operations, supply chain, engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams
• Occasional time spent in warehouse or production environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work on a computer for prolonged durations
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., materials, documents, or equipment)
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically to supplier sites, manufacturing partners, and company facilities as needed

Pay

Base compensation range: $187,000 - $234,000, determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Schedule

Full-time Exempt

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
• Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
• Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
• Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
• EAP Program
• Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
• Equity Grants in the Company