Head Of Supply Chain

About the Role

Pyka is looking for a seasoned and strategic Head of Supply Chain to lead the development and execution of our global supply chain operations as we scale production of our autonomous electric aircraft. This role oversees end-to-end supply chain execution, ensuring operational excellence across procurement, inventory management, international logistics, and vendor relationships. You will play a critical role in shaping the team, relationships, strategies, and systems that enable Pyka to meet demand efficiently, reliably, and cost effectively. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role that requires deep expertise in international supply chains, ERP systems, and fast-paced, complex manufacturing environments.

A typical day in this role will include: negotiating terms with key suppliers, reaching out to new suppliers for a new component destined for production, helping your reports with tricky problems, working cross-functionally on new tools within Odoo to boost your team’s productivity, and planning out a schedule with an engineering team member that’s working to introduce a new revision of hardware while deprecating an old revision that’s on order. We’re looking for someone who loves system building and managing as much as they love rolling up their sleeves and contributing as an individual contributor while the team is still small.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of supply chain professionals, providing guidance, training, and support.
• Hire world-class talent to continue the expansion of the existing team.
• Source, build, and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, managing negotiations, contracts, and long-term agreements to secure favorable terms and ensure a reliable supply of materials.
• Play an integral role in Pyka’s cost-down strategy—including vendor selection, negotiation, insource/outsource decisions, tax optimization, etc.
• Manage complex international logistics, both to and from Pyka’s facility in the US, optimizing for speed, reliability, and cost.
• Own, develop, and implement supply chain strategies that align with overall business goals, aiming for supply continuity, quality, efficiency, and cost optimization while enabling the business to scale significantly.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of supply chain aspects of our ERP (Odoo).
• Collaborate internally with key cross-functional leadership teams (e.g., engineering, program management, finance, business line) to negotiate the right tradeoffs, solicit cooperation, and resolve problems proactively.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain performance.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track supply chain health and drive improvements.
• Monitor KPIs, analyze data, and provide regular reports to management on supply chain performance.
• Problem-solve and remove obstacles for your team and internal and external partners.
• Think critically and engage the right teams to help.
• Be a team player where no task is too small.
• Be willing to roll up your sleeves and get the job done.
• Embrace the startup life.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of past experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in either a supply chain or production-related role where complex mechanical and/or electrical assemblies were built.
• At least 3+ years in a leadership position focused on supply chain.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful procurement strategies and delivering cost savings.
• Proven track record working with CM’s in China and Mexico on similar products.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a commitment to developing team members.
• Deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, including supplier evaluation, quality assurance, and risk management.
• Deep understanding of ERP systems.

We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in aerospace, automotive, high tech, or another related industry.
• Previous experience in implementing ERP systems as they relate to supply chain (e.g., MRP systems, warehouse management system).
• Strong team player who can wear different hats to help your team move forward.
• Willing to tackle individual contributor tasks while managing a small team.
• Experience in a “Big” company environment as well as a startup.

Pay

$165,000–$240,000 per year base salary + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.
• FSA with employer matching.
• 401(k).
• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off.
• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks.