Director of Supply Chain

Empirical Systems Aerospace • San Luis Obispo, CA

17h • $155 - $210 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Supply Chain provides strategic and operational leadership for all supply chain functions in a mid-sized, AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing and R&D organization. This role is responsible for procurement, production planning, inventory control, logistics, and supplier quality, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. As a key member of the leadership team, this role balances hands-on execution with strategic direction—building scalable processes, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting both production and new product development in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including 5+ years in leadership
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing and R&D environments required
• Experience working within an AS9100-certified organization
• Strong expertise in sourcing, planning, inventory, and logistics in a manufacturing setting
• ERP/MRP system experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Understanding of aerospace traceability, documentation, and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a mid-sized organization
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and executive leadership
• Data-driven decision-making and problem-solving capability

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree
• APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP)
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFARS, or defense contracting requirements

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute supply chain strategy aligned with company growth, production demands, and R&D initiatives
• Lead and mature SIOP/S&OP processes to improve forecast accuracy, capacity planning, and material availability
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment across the business
• Lead sourcing strategy, contract negotiations, and supplier selection
• Develop and manage a high-performing, AS9100-compliant supplier base
• Implement dual sourcing and risk mitigation strategies for critical components
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery standards
• Oversee demand planning, production scheduling, and materials management
• Optimize inventory levels to balance working capital targets with service levels
• Improve ERP/MRP utilization and data integrity for better decision-making
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards
• Partner with Quality to drive supplier quality performance, audits, and corrective actions
• Support internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory bodies
• Manage logistics strategy, including freight optimization, warehousing, and distribution
• Improve on-time delivery performance and reduce transportation costs
• Lead, mentor, and scale a supply chain team (procurement, planning, logistics)
• Establish KPIs and performance management systems
• Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration

Benefits

• Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees