SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIRECT PROCUREMENT

Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Senior Director of Direct Procurement will be responsible for building and managing our global direct procurement team. This person will manage all direct material sourcing, purchasing, and contract management, for our growing global company. With locations in three countries and 12 sites (and growing), it is an exciting time to join the Rocket Lab team and lead/build our direct procurement efforts.

What you’ll get to do: 

• Responsible for managing the procure to pay process for direct material procurement
• Responsible for managing team of Buyers across multiple sites
• Responsible for working with multiple sites, understanding their direct procurement needs, and developing executable strategies to support needs
• Responsible for developing procurement strategies to eliminate or mitigate key risks in the Supply Chain
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers to reduce total cost
• Manage direct suppliers for Cost, Quality, and Delivery
• Accountable for ensuring supplier master data within MRP is accurate
• Work in a cross functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company-wide goals.

You’ll bring these qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant field
•  15 years of related experience in purchasing, with management experience in fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and contract pricing agreements with suppliers
• Proven ability to define team strategy, and build operating plans to achieve vision and long-term goals.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of time

These qualifications would be nice to have: 

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines.
• Proficient in SQL and MRP systems.
• Experience in managing remote resources across multiple sites.
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment.
• Experience with AS9100, ITAR export controls, EAR, and FAR.
• Experience in negotiating large contracts for satellites and launch vehicle components

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.