Sourcing Manager (Starship Launch Pad)

Who this role is best for

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

Skills & requirements

About the role

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.

SOURCING MANAGER (STARSHIP LAUNCH PAD)

SpaceX is on a fast track to become the market leader in various product categories, including US-based human spaceflight, rapid vehicle reusability, internet services through the Starlink constellation, and other exciting projects. The SpaceX supply chain department is a critical player in our operations. To capitalize on SpaceX’s technological and market-changing successes, our team will be part of managing an agile yet robust supply chain that will enable the company to maintain a competitive advantage. SpaceX's supply chain will play a key role in enabling it to meet these ambitious growth targets and help make us a multi-planetary species.

This is a high-profile, operationally critical position that plays an integral role in enabling our launch manifest and key developmental goals. 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. The Supply Chain team has aggressive objectives that 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:

Create commodity and capital 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

Develop and maintain key internal stakeholder relationships to evaluate sourcing models and optimize the value of products and services that support business requirements; maintain continuous cost reduction programs; communicate, manage, and drive compliance to category strategies; provide solutions to a wide range of difficult problems

Develop and improve sourcing strategies to reduce risk and meet targets for the Launch & Recovery program

Ensure the health of the supply base by evaluating and selecting suppliers based on capability, quality, reliability, and price competitiveness

Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new/suitable suppliers, optimizes cost models, and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on upcoming new product introduction campaign requirements

Maintain vendor delivery of goods and services; execute purchasing transactions within the scope area by issuing purchase orders for SpaceX programs and ensure delivery; manage all relevant master data to ensure accurate and complete information at all times

Identify and execute cost reduction projects, including planning, stakeholder coordination, timeline management, and project updates

Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefits while lowering risk

Conduct research, perform benchmarking, and gather market analysis for assigned categories; Act as a market intelligence provider regarding categories; anticipate strategic opportunities and keep key stakeholders informed

Direct and execute initiatives that support aggressive improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, improved coordination, delivery, pricing, lead-times, payment, risk compliance, and other areas as identified

Benchmark, track, and analyze annual performance metrics and sourcing trends against budget every month to demonstrate continuous improvement and progress against strategic objectives

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

Drive make vs. buy decisions for new products, implement the strategy across the product lifecycle from development, qualification, first article runs through stable production

Execute RFIs and RFPs, document bid events through correspondence to suppliers; conduct supplier negotiations and ongoing contract management

Administer multimillion-dollar contracts and independently negotiate suppliers’ contract terminology, pricing, technical requirements, scope, and terms involving responsibility, liability, indemnification, intellectual property, and export compliance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree and 3+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:

Engineering

Supply Chain

Purchasing

Contract negotiation

Material or production planning

Operations management

Material cost control

Master production scheduling

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in a supply chain, production, finance, or engineering function

Remarkable problem-solving skills

Ability to prioritize appropriately to meet internal customer and company needs

Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a 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

Strong budget tracking and cost analytical skills

Experience in sourcing from a global supply base using various contractual models

Proven success working on cross-functional new product introduction projects, completing cost models, and negotiating

Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, and Power BI

Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems

Holds self to the highest ethical standards, and conducts all activities with the highest integrity

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to travel - up to 25% work week travel may be required, including international travel

Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet major milestones

This position is based in Cape Canaveral, FL, and requires being on-site - remote work not considered

Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral

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)