Director of Material

Do you have the background and experience to strengthen the supply chain capability for an emerging growth aerospace company? If so, this position will be of interest to you. This company is seeking a very strong, capable individual, who can have a significant impact on the company’s performance and bottom line.

The company, based in the Pacific Northwest, is a joint venture of two very successful and prestigious aircraft specialty firms. The newly developed product line is related to aircraft freighter conversion. After 4 years of well-financed R&D, the company is now in full production and revenue mode, and expects to capture significant market share in its specialized niche. The company is ready to bolster its senior management with a talented leader as Director of Material, who will report directly to the VP/General Manager. In this role, you will manage a team of 4, and your mandate will include the following objectives:

Material Cost Reduction: Achieve aggressive cost reduction goals of 20% per shipset within 2 years.
Vendor Management: Develop a strong and professional working relationship with all vendors, ensuring optimum performance.
On-Time Purchasing: Ensure that the Material Group issues each order in the shortest possible time, including interdepartmental collaboration, awareness of ECOs, and vendor expediting.
Organizational Interface: Coordinate activities and communications with upper management, as well as other functional departments.
Inventory Management: Balance supplier deliveries, internal turns, and inventory levels to ensure an optimum quantity of material on hand.
Improve Quality: Align with “best in class” initiative, by driving a total quality mentality throughout the organization.
Organizational Development and Training: Upgrade the capability and performance of the department.
Process Improvement: Review Material Procurement processes and systems and implement changes to increase efficiencies and improve performance.
MRP System: Collaborate with CFO to assess IT system and implement a high-function MRP component that will meet the company’s operational needs.
REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: BS degree required. Certification (CPM, CPIM, CSCP, etc.) in a procurement, purchasing or materials related discipline is a strong plus.

Experience, knowledge and skills: 10+ years in increasingly responsible materials, supply chain, purchasing or procurement roles, leading to a current managerial position. Should have experience in an aerospace environment (large aircraft modification is a strong plus), and be familiar with FAA requirements. Experience in sourcing for “kitting” types of material management is a plus. Experience with warehouse and inventory functions is a strong plus. Should have experience with developing and upgrading the talent of a department, and in managing subcontractor / vendor relationships and issues.

If you are highly professional, well-organized, personable, an excellent communicator, and are able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d like to hear from you.