Senior Manager/Director, Materials and Supply Chain

Position Summary

The Senior Manager / Director of Materials & Supply Chain owns end-to-end materials planning, procurement, inventory, logistics, and supplier performance for a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment. This role ensures uninterrupted production, program execution, and customer delivery while optimizing working capital, supplier resilience, and regulatory compliance.

This is a strategic leadership role partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to scale production, mitigate supply-chain risk, and support new product introduction, LRIP, and full-rate manufacturing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Materials & Supply Chain Strategy 

• Own the materials strategy across all programs, SKUs, production lines, and sites 
• Translate business objectives (growth, margin, delivery, cash) into executable materials plans 
• Establish scalable processes to support NPI, LRIP to FRP transitions, and surge production 
• Lead make vs buy strategy 

Planning & Production Readiness 

• Oversee demand planning, and support supply alignment across all programs 
• Ensure BOM accuracy, lead-time integrity, safety stock policies, and capacity alignment 
• Lead shortage management, constraint escalation, and production readiness reviews 
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to long-lead items, single-source suppliers, and obsolescence 

Inventory, Warehousing & Logistics 

• Own enterprise inventory strategy including turns, accuracy, valuation, and excess mitigation 
• Ensure full lot, serial, and configuration traceability 
• Oversee receiving, kitting, warehousing, and outbound logistics operations 
• Lead cycle count programs and drive root-cause resolution for inventory discrepancies 
• Optimize freight strategy, logistics cost, and export compliance 

Compliance, Audit & Risk Management 

• Ensure materials and supplier processes comply with AS9100, ISO 9001, FAR/DFAR, DCMA, ITAR/EAR, and CMMC 
• Act as materials SME during customer, regulatory, and third-party audits 
• Maintain procedures, documentation, and training to ensure audit readiness 
• Develop and maintain supply-chain risk management and continuity plans 

Financial & Executive Accountability 

• Partner with Finance on inventory valuation, working capital, COGS, and forecast accuracy 
• Develop materials budgets and long-range supply plans 
• Provide executive-level reporting on supply-chain health, risks, and constraints 
• Support proposal and program activity with pricing, lead-time, and supplier strategy inputs

Leadership & Organizational Development 

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing materials and supply-chain organization 
• Define clear roles, KPIs, and accountability across planning, procurement, and logistics 
• Mentor leaders and succession-plan critical roles 
• Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement 

Systems & Continuous Improvement 

• Drive data integrity, automation, and reporting improvements 
• Lead Lean, Kaizen, and continuous-improvement initiatives cross functionally 
• Implement scalable systems and processes to support multi-site or international operations 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred) 

• 10 –15 years of materials, supply-chain, or operations leadership experience, preferably in aerospace or defense 

• Proven experience supporting regulated programs and scaling production 

• Deep knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, BOM control, supplier management, and compliance frameworks 

• Strong executive communication and cross-functional leadership skills 

Additional Desired Qualifications

• CPIM, CSCP, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.