Purchasing Manager, Technology

SpaceX
Hawthorne, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level procurement professionals comfortable with aggressive cost reduction targets and high travel demands in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Best fit for

  • Strategic sourcing experts who can influence engineering design decisions for supply chain efficiency.
    — “push engineering to make sound design decisions that are conducive to a high performing supply plan
  • Data-driven negotiators with experience managing global IT hardware contracts.
    — “Proven track record of managing a high volume of workload while setting and managing a strategy for your responsible commodities
  • Leaders capable of mentoring teams while executing complex procurement initiatives.
    — “Help manage, lead, develop, and mentor related positions while working on critical projects

Things to consider

  • Requires 50% travel commitment and full-time onsite work in Hawthorne.
    — “up to 50% of travel may be required
  • Expect after-hours communication and weekend work during critical periods.
    — “Ability to communicate outside of work hours

How to stand out

  • Quantify past achievements in SG&A cost reduction initiatives.
    — “SG&A spend reduction initiatives
  • Demonstrate technical fluency with data compute infrastructure in negotiations.
    — “Experience with data compute – memory, servers, cloud storage, high-performance computing
  • Showcase executive-level presentation skills for contract award decisions.
    — “Present value propositions to SpaceX executives
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders
  • Manage contracts to ensure supplier performance
  • Create sourcing strategies for cost reduction
  • Perform advanced quantitative and business process analyses
  • Present value propositions to executives
Typical background
Advanced degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related fieldExperience in purchasing, supply chain, or contract negotiation

Skills & requirements

Required

PurchasingSupply ChainContract NegotiationSystems EngineeringInformation TechnologyFacilities And ConstructionTalent Development

Preferred

Data ComputeNetworkConnectivityAudio-visualAI

Stack & domain

PurchasingSupply ChainContract NegotiationSystems EngineeringInformation TechnologyFacilities And ConstructionHospitality And FoodLeadershipCommunicationTeam ManagementTechnologyProcurement

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PURCHASING MANAGER, TECHNOLOGY

We are a progressive procurement organization pushing the boundaries of traditional procurement reputation and methodologies. We are looking for individuals who can think outside the box to achieve company objectives regarding value and partnerships with our suppliers. Our organization moves quickly, and you must too. SpaceX has the unique ability and desire to influence and shape suppliers to be better with us as we challenge our supply chain on cost, quality and delivery. This individual will support indirect supplier management, specifically within software services and SG&A spend reduction initiatives. The purchasing team has aggressive objectives for 2026 that will positively impact our product and bottom line. We are looking for the right person who is equipped and ready for these challenges to join our team. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understanding their needs and consulting with them to build quality procurement strategies aligned to business requirements.

Be the voice of reason and push engineering to make sound design decisions that are conducive to a high performing supply plan.

Manage contracts to ensure the performance of the supplier to contract obligations and ensure delivery, including expediting as necessary and reacting quickly to demand changes.

Create sourcing strategies to reduce risk, enable continuous cost reduction, and align with company strategy on payment terms, cash targets, on-time delivery, and cost savings.

Perform advanced quantitative and business process analyses to identify financial impacts of decisions, cost improvement and performance for assigned categories.

Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new/suitable suppliers, optimizes cost structures, and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on macro market or industry trends.

Present value propositions to SpaceX executives, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies and critical supply issues.

Execute purchase orders and manage escalation process for “purchase to pay” issues.

Talent Development: Help manage, lead, develop, and mentor related positions while working on critical projects.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree and 4+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 10+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:

Purchasing.

Supply chain.

Contract negotiation.

Systems engineering.

Information technology.

Facilities and construction.

Hospitality and food.

2+ years of experience leading a team with direct reports.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience with data compute – memory, servers, cloud storage, high-performance computing.

Experience with end-user devices (computers, laptops, peripherals).

Experience with network, connectivity and audio-visual.

Prior experience managing large value contracts/LTA’s with a global supply base.

Proven track record of managing a high volume of workload while setting and managing a strategy for your responsible commodities.

Exceptional analytical and organizational skills.

Experience with SQL and creating and managing dashboards using data visualization tools (e.g.Power BI) in business analysis.

Remarkable problem-solving skills.

Ability to prioritize appropriately to meet internal customer and company needs.

Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate with all levels of internal personnel.

Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment.

Conducts all activities with the highest integrity.

Ability to prioritize appropriately to meet internal customer and company needs.

Strong technical knowledge and skills in current technologies and applications (e.g. MS Office Suite, Atlassian, PowerBI, etc.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines.

Ability to communicate outside of work hours. 

Must be able to travel - up to 50% of travel may be required. 

This position is based in Hawthorne, CA, and requires being onsite full-time – hybrid and remote work will not be considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

    

Pay range:    

Manager, Purchasing: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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