Eleven Recruiting is hiring a Supply Chain Manager to join one of our largest aerospace manufacturing clients sitting onsite in Los Alamitos, CA. This role will oversee all aspects of supply chain operations, including procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier development, inventory management, and logistics. This role is critical to maintaining uninterrupted material flow, ensuring quality compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess deep aerospace industry experience and demonstrate expertise in managing complex supply chains in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

• Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies that align with business objectives.
• Negotiate contracts with domestic and international suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Drive supplier risk assessments and establish Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) to minimize liabilities.

Supplier Development and Relationship Management

• Identify and develop reliable suppliers in cost-effective regions, with a focus on aerospace industry standards.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.
• Lead performance evaluations, setting corrective action plans when necessary to improve supplier quality and delivery performance.

Inventory Management and Forecasting

• Develop robust inventory management strategies to reduce waste, increase inventory turns, and optimize working capital.
• Analyze demand forecasts and align material requirements with production schedules using advanced MRP systems.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of buyers, planners, and supplier development professionals.
• Foster a results-oriented culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Operational Excellence

• Implement automated replenishment processes, supplier schedules, and consignment programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support new product launches, ensuring supply chain readiness.
• Drive compliance with aerospace-specific regulatory and contractual requirements.

Cost Optimization

• Execute initiatives to achieve cost-saving targets without compromising quality or delivery.
• Analyze and address slow-moving inventory, reducing excess costs and optimizing supply chain flow.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain management.
• 3+ years of aerospace manufacturing experience.
• In-depth knowledge of purchasing methods, MRP systems, and advanced procurement techniques.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing software systems (e.g., MAPICS, SAP) and Microsoft Excel for analytics.
• Exceptional negotiation skills, with a proven track record of negotiating complex contracts in a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive supplier performance improvements.
• Strong analytical skills to develop data-driven strategies for cost optimization and risk management.
• Extensive knowledge of global supply markets, with experience sourcing from best-cost regions.
• Master's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field. (preferred)
• APICS or Six Sigma Certification. (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with subcontract management and supplier readiness assessments in aerospace manufacturing. (preferred)