Global Supply Chain Director

Aviation Search Group is partnered with a pioneering UAV/drone manufacturer that will revolutionize an industry through cutting-edge technology. Their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) offers a unique solution that will maximize profits while reducing costs and the impact on our environment. They are seeking a highly skilled and motivated leader to join their team in this crucial role, with the ability to identify key suppliers and shape their manufacturing operation.

This role will lead all aspects of supply management, including strategy, supplier development, sourcing, procurement, manufacturing readiness, supplier performance, and related business processes. The position will partner closely with executive leadership, the development team, manufacturing partners, suppliers, and operational stakeholders to establish a scalable, resilient supply management organization capable of supporting commercialization, future production growth, and the establishment of the manufacturing operations.

This is a unique opportunity to build the supply management organization for an innovative agricultural technology company as it prepares for commercialization and the establishment of manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and lead the company's global supply management organization from North America, developing the strategies, processes, and supplier relationships that will support commercialization, future production growth, and manufacturing.
• Develop and execute the company's supply management strategy, aligning sourcing, procurement, and supplier capabilities with product development and manufacturing objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, onboard, and manage strategic supplier partnerships.
• Partner closely with the development team and leadership to support new product introduction (NPI), manufacturing readiness, and cost optimization.
• Develop scalable supply management processes, policies, and performance metrics that support long-term business growth.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to successfully commercialize autonomous aerial crop protection system.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support the growth and success of the business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Progressive experience in supply management, sourcing, procurement, supplier development, manufacturing operations, or related disciplines, commensurate with the level of the position (Senior Manager, Director, or Vice President).
• Proven experience developing and executing supply management strategies, including strategic supplier selection, negotiation, and performance management.
• Experience conducting supplier assessments, including capability, quality systems, capacity, cost, and financial evaluations.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), production readiness, and manufacturing scale-up activities.
• Strong understanding of supply chain risk management, supplier performance management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience collaborating effectively with engineering, operations, product development, and executive leadership teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Currently living in or willing to relocate to Fargo, ND.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within aerospace, aviation, unmanned systems (UAS/UAV), robotics, autonomous systems, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting global supply chains within highly regulated industries, including familiarity with FAA or aerospace regulatory environments.
• Experience implementing ERP, MRP, or other supply planning systems.
• Background in supplier quality management, supplier audits, and certification standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.
• Experience with cost modeling, should-cost analysis, make-versus-buy decisions, and manufacturing footprint optimization.
• Experience within agriculture, agricultural equipment, ag-tech, or precision agriculture industries; MBA or master's degree preferred.