Director of Supply Chain

Job Summary

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.

This position is fully on‑site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
  • 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
• Procurement & Supplier Strategy
  • 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
• Planning, Inventory & Execution
  • 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
• Quality & Compliance
  • 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
• Logistics & Distribution
  • Manage logistics strategy, including freight optimization, warehousing, and distribution
  • Improve on‑time delivery performance and reduce transportation costs
• Leadership & Team Development
  • 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

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education & Experience
  • 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
• Technical Skills
  • 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
• Leadership Competencies
  • 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

Desired Qualifications and Skills

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

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer‑paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: 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.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E‑Verify participation required for employment.

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Pay Range: $155 – $210k Salary/Exempt.

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