Deputy Supply Chain Director
Quick Summary
Strategic & Operational Leadership Develop and execute supply chain strategy aligned with company growth, production demands,
Strategic & Operational Leadership Develop and execute supply chain strategy aligned with company growth, production demands, and R&D initiatives Lead and mature SI
Director of Supply Chain
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
~2 min readStrategic & 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
Requirements
~1 min readEducation & 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
MBA or advanced degree
APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP)
Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI)
Familiarity with ITAR, FAR/DFARS, or defense contracting requirements
What We Offer
~1 min readEmpirical 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.
**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
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- ≈ $322,400–$436,800 a year
- Who can apply
- United States
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 15, 2026
- First seen
- October 15, 2026
- Last seen
- October 15, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 56%
- Scored at
- October 15, 2026
Signal breakdown
4 other jobs at
View all →Browse Similar Jobs
Stay ahead of the market
Get the latest job openings, salary trends, and hiring insights delivered to your inbox every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.