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 MANAGER, PURCHASING

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Manager of Purchasing will be responsible for building and managing our direct material purchasing team for our headquarter operations. The purchasing team supports direct material purchasing for launch and space systems, from R&D and new product introduction through production ramp. We are growing fast, and our ideal candidate will have experience in building and leading a high performing team. This role will report to the Vice President of Global Supply Chain.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Accountable for purchasing and fulfillment of direct materials.
• Accountable for the procure-to-pay process of direct materials, including purchase requisitions, purchase order creation and approval, on time delivery of goods, and clearing procurement issues that hold up invoice processing.
• Responsible for developing purchasing strategy to meet Rocket Lab's cost, quality, and delivery goals.
• Responsible for leading team of buyers to meet on-time fulfillment to production and engineering.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers to reduce total material cost.
• Manage suppliers for cost, quality, and delivery.
• Accountable for ensuring supplier master data within MRP is accurate.
• Other duties asked by your manager, relevant to your role.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields.
• 9 years of related experience in purchasing, with management experience in fast-paced environment.
• 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.
• 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 10% 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 MRP systems
• Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls (ITAR and EAR)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours.
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.