Global Supply Management, Lead, Direct Materials

Joby Aviation•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

Joby is seeking a Global Supply Management Lead, Direct Materials to own sourcing strategy for parts and systems used in its aircraft. The role leads the direct-materials supply chain strategy, develops a team of group managers and global supply managers, and partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Certification, Legal, and Finance. The goal is to ensure hardware can be produced cost-effectively at scale, meets aerospace quality and regulatory standards, and arrives on time. This is a high-impact, high-influence role in a fast-moving environment, combining participation in technical design reviews with work at supplier factories to scale production. The role also emphasizes developing the team and applying AI and automation to increase productivity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering), Business Management, or Supply Chain Management is preferred; equivalent practical experience in supply chain, manufacturing, military service, or consulting will also be considered.
12+ years of experience developing and managing global supplier relationships and bringing complex hardware from concept to production, including hands-on experience identifying and qualifying suppliers of complex industrial or electromechanical parts.
5+ years of directly managing global supply chain or sourcing teams.
Experience scaling products through development stages (prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, and ramp to mass production).
Deep experience negotiating and structuring MSAs, supply agreements, IP and licensing frameworks, schedules, warranties, performance guarantees, and commercial risk allocation.
Skill in bottoms-up cost modeling and experience-based knowledge of cost structures for electromechanical and complex machined, composite, or electronic commodities.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, datasheets, and supplier technical submittals, and engage credibly with engineers on technical trade-offs.
Experience in a regulated or high-reliability environment, such as aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical, with familiarity with quality systems such as AS9100 and supplier compliance requirements.
Track record of measurable improvements in cost, quality, capacity, and lead time.
Strong commercial judgment and ability to lead complex, high-value negotiations and have difficult conversations while preserving trust.
Ability to manage many projects and teams at once, maintaining strategic perspective while staying close enough to resolve critical issues.
Strong executive communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, plus proficiency with Excel and Google Workspace.

Nice To Haves

Experience building or scaling supply chain capabilities at a high-growth aerospace, energy, EV, or hardware company.
Experience with battery, electric propulsion, or power electronics supply chains.
Experience with FAA or other airworthiness requirements, or supply chain qualification in certified aircraft programs.
Experience supporting suppliers and projects across multiple international markets.
Advanced degree or professional certification in supply chain, procurement, engineering, or business.

Responsibilities

Lead global sourcing strategy for direct materials across the aircraft and supporting systems, including propulsion, battery, avionics, structures, actuation, and electrical components.
Evaluate the supplier portfolio and develop long-term strategies for each commodity and technology aligned with the product roadmap and production ramp.
Lead supplier selection, qualification, negotiation, contracting, and performance management for strategic suppliers; mentor the team through complex deals.
Negotiate and structure Master Supply Agreements, long-term agreements, IP development and licensing terms, capacity reservations, capital expenditure and tooling investment schedules, and custom statements of work.
Develop sourcing strategies for long-lead and capital-intensive items, including milestone-based payment structures, performance guarantees, warranties, liquidated damages, and change-order mechanisms.
Partner with Engineering from concept through mass production so supplier capabilities, manufacturability, cost, and lead time inform design decisions.
Apply a repeatable playbook for supplier market research, qualification, and industrialization across hardware, aligned to stage gates from prototype through production.
Build bottoms-up cost models and drive cost-reduction roadmaps for critical components, current products, and next-generation aircraft.
Assess and mitigate long-term supply risk, particularly in regulated markets, through dual sourcing, capacity planning, continuity plans, and inventory strategies.
Recommend and execute a regional versus global supplier footprint balancing cost, resilience, logistics, and regulatory requirements.
Work with Quality and Engineering to resolve significant technical, quality, schedule, and commercial issues at suppliers, including first article inspection and acceptance testing.
Establish supply chain metrics, governance, and supplier scorecard methodology covering cost, quality, delivery, technology, and capacity, and provide leadership visibility into performance and risk.
Build, coach, and develop a high-performing global team and create lightweight, scalable processes with cross-functional partners.
Take an AI-forward approach and automate where possible to increase team productivity.