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Senior Manager, Supply Chain

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.

We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

We are looking for a Senior Manager of Supply Chain to lead and strategize tactical operations of the company’s end-to-end supply chain function including subcontract management, direct and indirect purchasing, production material planning, inventory & warehouse operations, and supplier relationship management. This role is critical to ensuring production continuity, cost efficiency, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance and dynamic manufacturing environment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution 

  • Develop, lead, and continuously improve the company’s supply chain strategy to align with operational, financial, and growth objectives. 
  • Oversee all supply chain functions from procurement through delivery, including sourcing, planning, logistics, and inventory control. 
  • Establish and track KPIs across supply chain (supplier delivery, purchase price variance, inventory turns, material availability, etc.) 
  • Collaborate with leadership across Production, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to support demand planning and operational readiness. 

Purchasing & Sourcing 

  • Lead the procurement team responsibilities, including sourcing raw materials, components, and services to support full-rate production. 
  • Implement strategic sourcing initiatives, vendor qualification, and cost reduction programs while maintaining quality and compliance standards. 
  • Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure favorable contract terms and mitigate supply risks. 
  • Manage the procurement process and supplier performance, including escalation and corrective actions where needed. 

Project Material Planning 

  • Develop processes and procedures for project level planning and data gathering. 
  • Manage group required to create detailed purchasing and production plans to support ongoing contracts. 
  • Create master production schedules. 

Subcontract & Vendor Management 

  • Administer complex subcontracts in compliance with FAR/DFARS and customer-specific flowdowns. 
  • Maintain oversight of critical subcontractors for delivery, quality, and performance, and coordinate with cross-functional teams as necessary. 
  • Conduct make/buy analyses and support outsourcing decisions, including evaluation of insourcing opportunities. 
  • Prepare for and participate in audits, reviews, and other regulatory evaluations. 

Team Leadership & Systems  

  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing supply chain team with clear roles and career development pathways. 
  • Drive adoption and optimization of ERP, PLM, and digital supply chain tools to improve visibility and decision-making. 
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, lean operations, and cross-functional collaboration. 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Managment, Business, Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain operations, with 3+ years in a leadership capacity. 
  • Proven track record of managing procurement, planning, and supplier performance in a manufacturing or defense/aerospace environment. 
  • Deep working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Unanet, NetSuite, SAP) and supply chain analytics. 
  • Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. 
  • Experience standing up or scaling supply chain operations in a growth-phase manufacturing environment (preferred) 
  • Familiairty with ISO 9001/AS9100 standards, lean manufacturing, and quality systems (preferred) 

Pay range for this role

$130,000 - $190,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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