Senior Global Supply Manager I

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 & Neutron 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 GLOBAL SUPPLY MANAGER I

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Global Supply Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of Rocket Lab’s rocket and satellite programs. You’ll lead sourcing strategies, build strong supplier partnerships, and drive supply chain resilience to support our groundbreaking missions. From early development to serial production, you’ll collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver world-class results.

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is the backbone of our operations, ensuring the seamless flow of materials, components, and products that power our missions. From managing procurement to ensuring compliance and quality, this team is critical to the success of our Electron & Neutron rockets and Space Systems programs.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with program goals for cost, quality, and delivery.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, from initial RFIs to contract execution and beyond.

• Lead supplier negotiations on a first principles basis to secure best-in-class terms, including cost, quality, and delivery performance.

• Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance through metrics, scorecards, and regular reviews.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure supplier capabilities meet program requirements, from prototyping to full-scale production.

• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, ensuring resilience and reliability.

• Engage with Legal/Contracts to establish the right contractual framework to support our programs and commodity strategy.

• Identify cost savings/avoidance opportunities, execute cost reduction strategies, and maintain cost models and should-cost analysis up to date to deliver on competitiveness targets.

• Conduct market research and stay ahead of industry trends to inform strategic decisions.

• Act as the go-to procurement expert, solving challenges and driving results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS  

• 8+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing or supplier management.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years of total work experience).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience in aerospace, automotive or other disruptive manufacturing industries

• Experience in rapid growth environment with constantly shifting priorities or deliverables

• Strong ability to read and interpret drawings, understanding of design for manufacturing.

• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively across all functions and all levels of the organization.

• Highly self-motivated, able to learn quickly and maintain the highest levels of quality and integrity

• Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines

• APICS certification

• Experience with AS9100, Export controls

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other dis

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