Supply Chain Operations Lead

Our client is an innovative aerospace and defense manufacturer building advanced hardware for next-generation national security applications. As the organization scales from prototype development into production, they are investing in the operational infrastructure required to support long-term manufacturing growth. This is a unique opportunity to build the supply chain operating model from the ground up within a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment. Position Overview Our client is seeking a Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations to establish the operational foundation of its manufacturing organization. This is a not a traditional procurement leadership role. Rather than managing a large sourcing organization, this individual will architect the business processes, systems, and operational workflows that enable an efficient, scalable supply chain. The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing ERP/MRP-enabled business processes, building planning and inventory management functions, implementing supplier governance within regulated manufacturing environments, and translating operational requirements into scalable business systems. This is a highly cross-functional role partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Software teams. Initially operating as an individual contributor, this leader will play a foundational role in developing the company's future supply chain organization. Key Responsibilities Supply Chain Operations & Business Systems Design and implement scalable supply chain operating processes supporting manufacturing growth. Build ERP/MRP-enabled workflows across planning, procurement, inventory management, and manufacturing operations. Define business requirements and partner with software and engineering teams to implement operational capabilities. Establish master data governance for suppliers, inventory, planning, and procurement. Develop operational dashboards, KPIs, reporting, and governance processes. Create standard operating procedures that improve execution and operational consistency. Drive adoption and continuous improvement of operational systems across the organization. Serve as the business process owner for supply chain operational systems. Planning & Manufacturing Operations Build material planning, demand planning, supply planning, and inventory management processes from the ground up. Configure and optimize ERP/MRP planning methodologies and system parameters. Establish inventory control strategies and replenishment methodologies. Develop production readiness and capacity planning processes. Improve material availability while maintaining inventory discipline. Create scalable planning processes that support growth from prototype through production. Establish supplier qualification, onboarding, and governance processes. Develop and maintain an Approved Supplier List (ASL). Implement supplier management processes aligned with AS9100 requirements. Support compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and other aerospace and defense regulations. Coordinate supplier audits, corrective actions, and supplier performance management. Partner with Engineering and Quality to continuously improve supplier performance. Cross-Functional Leadership Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, and Software teams to ensure operational systems support business objectives. Translate operational requirements into scalable business processes and system capabilities. Establish governance, ownership, documentation, and operational discipline across supply chain functions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, scalability, and manufacturing readiness. Strategic Supplier Management Support sourcing strategies for critical suppliers and materials. Develop supplier relationships that support production readiness and business continuity. Negotiate commercial agreements when appropriate. Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities through supplier engagement. Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in Supply Chain Operations, Manufacturing Operations, Materials Management, Planning, Industrial Engineering, or related disciplines. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing ERP/MRP-enabled business processes within a manufacturing environment. Experience building planning, inventory management, procurement, and operational workflows from the ground up. Experience serving as a business process owner for ERP, MRP, or manufacturing systems. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, inventory management, and operational scalability. Experience supporting AS9100-certified or AS9100-compliant manufacturing environments. Experience working within ITAR-controlled environments and familiarity with DFARS requirements. Proven ability to partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Software, Quality, and Finance teams. Experience operating successfully within startup or rapidly scaling manufacturing organizations. U.S. Citizenship required due to export-controlled programs. Preferred Qualifications Experience implementing or optimizing Odoo or another modern manufacturing ERP system. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Experience supporting production scale-up from prototype through full-rate manufacturing. Experience building supply chain operations within an aerospace or defense startup. APICS/ASCM, Lean, Six Sigma, CPSM, or similar operational excellence certifications. Experience developing operational dashboards, KPI frameworks, and executive reporting. What Success Looks Like Within the first year, the successful candidate will: Build the operational framework supporting the organization's transition from prototype to production. Implement scalable ERP/MRP-enabled supply chain processes. Establish planning, inventory management, and procurement workflows. Develop operational governance, master data standards, and reporting infrastructure. Create supplier qualification and governance processes aligned with AS9100 and defense industry requirements. Improve planning accuracy, inventory visibility, and cross-functional execution. Establish the operational systems and processes required to support long-term manufacturing scale. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate has built supply chain operations , not simply managed procurement. They have experience designing operational systems within aerospace or defense manufacturing environments and understand how ERP, MRP, planning, inventory management, supplier governance, and manufacturing operations work together to enable scalable production. This individual is equally comfortable mapping business processes, implementing ERP workflows, partnering with software teams, and collaborating with engineering and manufacturing organizations to build the operational infrastructure needed for sustained growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr Samson Rose