Deputy Supply Chain Director

San Luis Obispo

**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: $25,000 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.** \*\*This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA\*\* ____________________________________________________________________ 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