Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,800 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

DIRECTOR, CENTRAL PROCUREMENT

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Central Procurement will be responsible for building and managing our global central procurement office. The central procurement office will manage all indirect material sourcing, purchasing, and contract management, for our growing global company. With locations in three countries and 15 sites (and growing), it is an exciting time to join the Rocket Lab team and lead/build our central procurement office for indirect procurement.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Responsible for managing the procure to pay process for indirect material procurement.
Responsible for managing team of Buyers across multiple sites.
Responsible for working with multiple sites, understanding their indirect procurement needs, and developing executable strategies to support needs.
Responsible for developing procurement strategies to eliminate or mitigate key risks in the Supply Chain.
Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.
Negotiate pricing with suppliers to reduce total cost.
Manage indirect suppliers for Cost, Quality, and Delivery.
Accountable for ensuring supplier master data within MRP is accurate.
Work in a cross functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company-wide goals.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of related experience in purchasing, with management experience in fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to source, onboard, and contract pricing agreements with suppliers.
Proven ability to define team strategy and build operating plans to achieve vision and long-term goals.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of time.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines.
Proficient in SQL and MRP systems.
Experience in managing remote resources across multiple sites.
Prior experience in rapid growth environment.
Experience with AS9100, ITAR export controls, EAR, and FAR.
Experience in negotiating large contracts for facilities, IT, and large CapEx purchases.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours.
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$150,000—$200,000 USD

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.