Supply Chain Director

Our client is building a more resilient and scalable supply chain for advanced unmanned systems, and they are seeking a Supply Chain Director to help lead that next phase of growth. This is a high impact opportunity for a hands on leader who knows the drone ecosystem, understands hardware at the component level, and can build trusted supplier partnerships that support manufacturing at scale. The right person will play a visible role in shaping sourcing strategy, improving supply continuity, and strengthening the supplier network behind complex airborne platforms.

This Role Offers

• A chance to build and influence supply chain strategy in a growing technical manufacturing environment
• Executive visibility and close partnership with engineering, operations, and manufacturing leadership
• A greenfield opportunity to strengthen supplier relationships, sourcing strategy, and production readiness
• Broad ownership across supplier development, procurement, risk reduction, and manufacturing support
• Competitive compensation and the opportunity to make a direct impact on future production scale

Focus

• Lead sourcing strategy for a fast-growing manufacturer of unmanned systems and mission critical hardware
• Build and strengthen a global supplier network across propulsion, avionics, RF, PCB, power, and airframe components
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to translate technical requirements into qualified supply decisions
• Evaluate supplier capability through on-site visits, technical reviews, and commercial negotiations
• Reduce risk by developing alternate sources for critical components and improving supply continuity
• Improve inventory flow, production readiness, and delivery performance as manufacturing volume increases
• Own supplier performance, cost, quality, and lead time metrics across the external manufacturing base
• Travel extensively to supplier locations in North America, Europe, and Asia to develop relationships and solve issues quickly

Skill Set

• Background in UAV or UAS manufacturing is essential
• Strong understanding of flight controllers, ESCs, motors, PCBs, RF links, power systems, communications hardware, and flight software architecture
• Proven experience in supplier development, strategic sourcing, and vendor negotiations in a technical hardware environment
• Strong technical literacy with the ability to work directly with engineering teams and assess supplier capabilities
• Ability to read engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications
• Seven or more years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or technical business development within unmanned systems, aerospace hardware, or a similarly technical manufacturing setting is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent industry experience will also be considered
• Willingness and ability to travel heavily, estimated at 50 to 70 percent or more, especially during early ramp up