Director, Vehicle Fluid Systems Supply Chain

About the role

You will own the end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution for vehicle fluid systems including fuels, hydraulics, lubricants, and associated hardware critical to Terran R. You will translate product intent into a resilient, cost-optimized supply network that can scale from prototype to flight heritage. You will act as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve complex tradeoffs and keep program momentum. You will build and lead a high-performing team that operates with autonomy, rigor, and accountability in a fast-paced aerospace environment. You will balance technical depth with commercial acumen to drive decisions that protect both schedule and cost across the entire value stream. You will anticipate risks, define contingency strategies, and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. You will leverage data and cross-functional collaboration to continuously improve forecasting, inventory, and supplier performance. You will shape the narrative of supply chain as a strategic enabler of Relativity's vision to build rockets at unprecedented speed and scale.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy for vehicle fluid systems that aligns with program milestones and long-term scalability.

Lead, mentor, and expand a world-class team of supply chain professionals, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

Develop and manage senior-level supplier relationships for fluids and fluid-handling components, negotiating agreements that balance cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery.

Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to translate design requirements into supply chain solutions that are robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective.

Drive end-to-end planning processes, including demand forecasting, material requirements planning, and production scheduling to ensure on-time delivery of critical fluids and systems.

Own category management activities such as spend analysis, supplier rationalization, and portfolio optimization to reduce complexity and improve leverage.

Establish and maintain rigorous supplier performance metrics, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure reliability and compliance.

Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, developing and executing contingency plans as needed.

Implement cost reduction strategies and value engineering initiatives without compromising product integrity, quality, or regulatory compliance.

Champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging analytics, dashboards, and insights to optimize inventory, lead times, and total cost of ownership.

Serve as the primary escalation path for complex supply chain issues, resolving conflicts and aligning multiple stakeholders toward timely solutions.

Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across the fluid systems supply base, maintaining traceability and documentation.

Support the development of scalable processes and tools that enable efficient supply chain operations now and as the business grows.

Act as a thought leader and representative for supply chain within Relativity and across the aerospace ecosystem, enhancing our reputation with suppliers and partners.

Requirements

Demonstrate experience operating at the intersection of technical and commercial domains within a high-growth, mission-critical environment.

Bring a track record of managing complex supply chains for hardware-intensive programs, with a focus on performance, reliability, and execution.

Show proven ability leading and developing high-performing teams, mentoring peers and direct reports to achieve ambitious goals.

Exhibit strong negotiation and partnership skills, with experience securing strategic agreements that balance cost, flexibility, and delivery.

Possess excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, using data to drive decisions and resolve multifaceted challenges.

Display superior communication and influencing skills, able to engage with executives, technical experts, and cross-functional partners with clarity and confidence.

Have a deep understanding of supplier development, risk management, and continuous improvement practices in a manufacturing or aerospace context.

Commit to operating with urgency, ownership, and bias for action in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment.

Practical notes

Hours, travel, visa, or deadlines are not specified in the provided source text, so this section is omitted.