Deputy Supply Chain Director
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.Director of Supply Chain Job Summary The Deputy Supply Chain Director 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. 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: $25,00…