Manager, Purchasing

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.

MANAGER, PURCHASING

Based on site at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, MD Facility, the Purchasing Manager will be responsible for building and managing our direct material procurement team for our headquarter operations. The procurement 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 Senior Director of Direct Procurement. This particular role will support all raw material purchases for Rocket Lab programs. The scope will cover but not be limited to, aluminum, composites, and our 3D printed materials.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Manage a highly effective procurement team focused on the raw material commodity (aluminum/composites/printed) for our Launch and Space programs
• Accountable for the procurement of direct materials in support of production material demand and rapid engineering development
• Responsible for developing a global commodity strategy to create best in class cost, quality, and delivery goals in support of Rocket Lab's growth
• Negotiate pricing on a first principles basis for purchased material cost and create a bottom-up cost model to influence engineering design direction
• Operate as an external representative of Rocket Lab and manage respective supplier relationships. Conduct supplier performance management including dispute resolution, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews
• Partner with suppliers and internal departments to develop an integrated sourcing and procurement strategy supporting cost optimization, quality improvements, and business growth.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to negotiate and resolve scheduling conflicts, inventory levels, material shortages, delivery requirements, cost improvements, quality improvements, and other material issues.
• Oversee supplier performance, including quality, delivery (OTD), and pricing.
• Function as a key liaison between the Supply Chain team and internal stakeholders including Business unit leadership, Engineering, Accounting, and Manufacturing.
• Ensure ERP procurement and planning data accuracy (ex. safety stock, lead times, ROP, and EOQ) and meta data integrity.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and scouting to uncover new capabilities and potential partnerships that support business unit goals.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields and 8+ 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.
• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls (ITAR and EAR)

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.