Strategic Supply Chain Director

About Merlin Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges. About You We are seeking a highly strategic and execution-oriented Supply Chain Leader to design, scale, and actively manage a resilient, high-performing supply chain. This role is responsible for supplier strategy, market intelligence, risk mitigation, supplier quality, and purchase order execution across critical programs. The ideal candidate can translate complex engineering and technical requirements into actionable supplier strategies and data-driven decisions, while maintaining strong supplier partnerships and accountability. Responsibilities Lead market surveys and supplier landscape assessments for key commodities and critical components Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to support cost, capacity, technology, and risk objectives Maintain deep understanding of supplier markets, including pricing drivers, lead times, geopolitical risks, and capacity constraints Proactively identify supply chain risks across quality, delivery, cost, single-source exposure, and geopolitical factors Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, inventory strategies, and contractual protections Partner cross-functionally to ensure continuity of supply for critical programs and timelines Establish and maintain supplier quality standards, metrics, and review cadences Monitor supplier quality performance including schedule and cost, including corrective action management and continuous improvement initiatives Actively manage supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness, holding suppliers accountable to commitments Translate engineering requirements, specifications, and technical needs into clear supplier surveys, RFQs, and sourcing criteria Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to ensure suppliers can meet technical, regulatory, and production requirements Support make-buy decisions and supplier selection through technical and commercial evaluation Own purchase order strategy, including lot sizing, lead-time management, and alignment to production schedules Ensure accurate, timely execution of purchase orders and supplier commitments Drive improvements in planning accuracy, on-time delivery, and inventory health Serve as a key partner to Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Program Management Provide clear communication and visibility into supplier status, risks, and mitigation plans Build scalable supply chain processes and tools to support company growth Qualifications 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, sourcing, or supplier management roles Proven experience leading supplier strategy, market surveys, and supplier performance management Strong ability to interpret and translate engineering requirements into supplier-ready documentation and evaluation criteria Demonstrated success reducing supply chain risk in complex or regulated environments Experience managing supplier quality and continuous improvement initiatives Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills Background in aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, or other technically complex industries Nice to Have Background in aerospace, manufacturing, hardware, or other technically complex industries Experience scaling supply chains in high-growth or pre-IPO environments Familiarity with supplier audits, qualification processes, and quality management systems Location This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA. Benefits We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Equal Opportunity Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks. Visa At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Compliance In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tensec