Director of Strategic Sourcing

About the role

Observable Space designs and manufactures precision optics and space technology platforms for mission-critical clients including NASA, the US Department of Defense, and SpaceX. We are seeking a Director of Strategic Sourcing to establish and lead our sourcing, procurement, and logistics functions across our Los Angeles, California headquarters and our manufacturing sites in Adrian and Detroit, Michigan. This role reports to the VP of Operations and is responsible for building a scalable, high-performance supply chain organization that supports our long-term growth and production commitments. The Director of Strategic Sourcing will own end-to-end strategic and operational supply chain activities, ensuring reliable, compliant, and cost-effective execution in a regulated aerospace environment. You will be based on-site in Los Angeles, with required travel to manufacturing facilities in Michigan.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create and implement a long-term supply chain and sourcing strategy aligned with mission-critical production timelines.
• Manage high-stakes negotiations regarding pricing, lead times, and contract terms with critical suppliers.
• Oversee procurement operations, including logistics, inventory policies, and import/export coordination.
• Direct Corporate IT infrastructure and cybersecurity alignment for procurement and logistics systems.
• Perform make-versus-buy analyses and manage supplier development programs.
• Build and mentor a team of direct reports, including managers and individual contributors.
• Establish KPIs and operational dashboards to guide executive decision-making and performance tracking.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through business continuity planning and dual sourcing strategies.
• Analyze current spend data to uncover cost-saving opportunities and supplier performance trends.
• Develop and maintain a resilient supply chain network through strategic supplier selection and diversification.
• Lead complex negotiations to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate import and export activities to ensure compliance with customs regulations and efficient goods movement.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through rigorous testing, audits, and capability assessments.
• Implement inventory optimization techniques to reduce carrying costs while maintaining production availability.
• Drive supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, and cost metrics across the supply base.
• Collaborate with finance and operations to perform detailed make-versus-buy analyses for key components and subassemblies.
• Establish robust risk management processes to identify, assess, and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
• Create detailed operational dashboards that provide visibility into procurement performance and inventory health.
• Define and document standard operating procedures for procurement, receiving, and supplier management.
• Partner with engineering and operations to forecast demand and align purchasing strategies with production plans.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to streamline corporate IT systems related to procurement and logistics.
• Mentor procurement staff and provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to direct reports.
• Ensure alignment of supply chain objectives with the overall business strategy and growth targets.

Requirements

• 10+ years of leadership experience in operations, logistics, procurement, or supply chain.
• Proven history of scaling manufacturing or supply chain organizations during high-growth phases.
• Experience managing and developing teams of managers and individual contributors.
• Bachelor degree.
• Background in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or defense industries.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory optimization, and operational metrics.
• Ability to analyze data to drive sourcing strategy and report to leadership.
• Demonstrated success in managing high-stakes negotiations and complex contract frameworks.

Nice to have

• Experience with precision hardware, electromechanical components, or optical systems.
• MBA or an advanced technical degree.
• CPSM, CPIM, or similar professional certifications.

Skills & tools

• ERP systems
• Strategic sourcing and procurement
• Supplier relationship management
• Logistics and inventory control
• Data-driven performance management

Practical notes

• This is an on-site position.
• Compensation includes salary and equity opportunities.
• Benefits package provided.
• Travel to manufacturing sites in Adrian and Detroit, MI is required.
• The position is based in Los Angeles, CA, and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.