Associate Director of Prototype Supply Chain

Job Summary

Leads the build, execution, and scaling of a prototype-focused supply chain function supporting fast-paced R&D and early production environments. This role owns end-to-end supply continuity for prototype builds - prioritizing speed and quality over cost - while establishing the operating model, supplier network, and team required to scale.

The Associate Director operates as an execution leader first: directly driving sourcing, supplier engagement, and issue resolution on critical path hardware. In parallel, this role defines and implements a tiered sourcing strategy (Insourced → Local → Domestic → North America → Foreign) to balance speed, quality, and scalability as programs mature.

This leader builds and develops a high-performing team spanning tactical procurement, supplier quality, and program-facing supply chain, while acting as the primary interface between Engineering, Prototype Operations, and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Execution & Supply Continuity (Primary)

• Own material readiness for all prototype builds, ensuring no supply-driven line stoppages or delays on critical path items.
• Personally lead sourcing and procurement of complex, high-risk components (e.g., PCBA, machined parts, actuators, castings) in early phases.
• Drive rapid supplier identification, qualification, and onboarding aligned to aggressive development timelines.
• Act as the escalation point for part shortages, quality issues, and supplier execution failures; lead resolution to closure.
• Partner daily with engineering and build teams to maintain a clear-to-build plan and dynamically adjust priorities.
  
  

Prototype Supply Chain Strategy

• Define and operationalize sourcing pathways based on program maturity:
• Insourced → 2. Local → 3. Domestic → 4. North America → 5. Foreign
• Establish decision frameworks that prioritize lead time, iteration speed, and quality before cost optimization.
• Build flexible supply models that support rapid design changes, low volumes, and high variability.
• Transition sourcing strategies as products evolve from prototype to scalable production without disrupting development velocity.
  
  

Supplier Quality & Performance

• Establish strong supplier quality standards appropriate for prototype environments (fit, function, speed of iteration).
• Partner closely with engineering to ensure suppliers can meet evolving technical requirements and tolerances.
• Implement lightweight but effective qualification and validation processes to ensure first-pass success.
• Drive root cause resolution with suppliers on quality escapes and repeat failures.
  
  

Team Build & Leadership

• Build and lead a team of sourcing, procurement, commodity, and supplier quality professionals tailored to prototype operations.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and operating mechanisms across supply chain and engineering interfaces.
• Coach team members to operate with urgency, ownership, and strong technical judgment.
• Scale the organization in alignment with build rate and program complexity.
  
  

Cross-Functional Integration

• Act as the primary supply chain partner to Prototype Operations, Engineering, and Data Operations teams.
• Integrate supply chain into build planning, test readiness, and repair workflows.
• Provide clear visibility into material status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Influence design decisions to improve manufacturability, lead time, and supplier feasibility.
  
  

Systems & Operating Model

• Stand up fit-for-purpose procurement and tracking mechanisms for prototype environments (ERP/MRP, lightweight tracking, dashboards).
• Establish standard work for sourcing, ordering, expediting, and supplier communication.
• Build data visibility into lead times, supplier performance, and material risk.
  
  

Core Competencies

Execution Intensity

Delivers results in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. Prioritizes effectively and drives closure on critical path items.

Ownership

Acts as the single-threaded owner of supply continuity; proactively identifies and resolves issues before impact.

Technical Judgment

Understands complex electromechanical systems and can engage deeply with engineering and suppliers.

Collaboration

Works seamlessly across engineering, operations, and suppliers to drive aligned outcomes.

Adaptability

Thrives in environments with evolving designs, shifting priorities, and incomplete information.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong experience sourcing for prototype or NPI environments (low volume, high mix, rapid iteration).
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes: machining, PCBA, castings, electromechanical assemblies.
• Proven ability to assess and develop suppliers for both speed and quality.
• Strong supplier quality background, including root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically, including direct PO placement and supplier engagement.
• Experience building supply chain functions, teams, and operating mechanisms from early stages.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with emphasis on execution rather than cost optimization.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments without fully defined systems or processes.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP, PLM, Supply Chain Planning, and prototype-friendly tracking tools.
  
  

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or operations, with significant time in prototype, robotics, aerospace, or advanced hardware environments.
• 3 years of leadership experience building or managing teams.
• Demonstrated success supporting rapid hardware development cycles with aggressive timelines.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or CSCP are preferred
• Experience working closely with engineering teams in R&D or NPI settings.