Director of Supply Chain (Aerospace)

Acara Solutions has been providing aerospace and advanced manufacturing firms with our staffing services for over 65 years. Our Santa Fe Springs, CA international aerospace client is currently looking for a Director of Supply Chain to join their organization as a direct salaried employee. The salary target is $175K, with a range from $165K - $185K plus bonus.

This is a 100% onsite position in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The position oversees planning/inventory, procurement, supplier performance, and material logistics. They are currently transitioning from ERP Global Shop to Epicor. The position requires a background in an aerospace metal machine shop along with global supply chain experience.

The Director of Supply Chain is a strategic leader responsible for managing and optimizing the global supply chain operations for our aerospace manufacturing business. This role oversees procurement, production planning, inventory control, supplier performance, and material logistics across a global supplier network. The Director ensures alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g., AS9100, ITAR), corporate objectives, customer expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives. This individual collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Manufacturing to ensure the seamless flow of materials, on-time program delivery, and cost-effective execution in a highly regulated, complex environment.

• Lead global supply chain operations, including strategic sourcing, procurement, production planning, logistics, and inventory management across domestic and international sites.
• Build and manage a high-performing team overseeing Purchasing, Planning, and Inventory Control functions.
• Develop and implement global supply chain strategies that reduce lead times, mitigate risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive operational efficiency.
• Oversee supplier selection, qualification, contract negotiation, and performance management with a focus on AS9100 compliance and supplier scorecards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and Quality to define critical path items, manage lead-time-sensitive components, and ensure timely product launches.
• Monitor and manage global inventory levels (including consignment and VMI) to balance availability, working capital, and customer demands.
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems- specifically Global Shop Solutions and/or Epicor -to maintain accurate material requirements, BOMs, routings, and cost estimates. Support digital transformation initiatives within supply chain operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to export/import compliance, ITAR regulations, and quality standards specific to aerospace manufacturing.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing, planning, and logistics through lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and value stream mapping.
• Develop supply chain contingency and risk management plans to address global disruptions, geopolitical risks, and supplier capacity constraints.
• Evaluate and implement sustainable sourcing practices aligned with corporate ESG goals.
• Partner with Finance to develop supply chain budgets, cost-saving initiatives, and CAPEX planning.
• Manage and direct the activities of Supplier Quality Representatives to ensure supplier compliance with aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100), support incoming inspections, and drive root cause and corrective action initiatives.
• Represent Supply Chain in cross-functional leadership meetings and key customer or supplier engagements.

Job Requirements

Required Skills / Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Aerospace Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA or APICS/CSCP/CPIM certification preferred.
• Min 10 years of progressive supply chain leadership experience in the aerospace or defense sector , with demonstrated success in managing global sourcing and logistics.
• Including the following:
  • A deep knowledge of aerospace standards and regulations , including AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and FAA requirements.
  • Proven leadership in negotiating long-term agreements, supplier consolidation, cost modeling, and should-cost analysis.
  • Experience leading global teams and managing supplier networks across North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • The ability to read and interpret CAD drawings and engineering specifications.
• Min 5 years of experience working with machined parts, complex assemblies, and fabricated metal components used in aerospace platforms.
• Min 5 years of experience with ERP/MRP systems , ideally Global Shop Solutions and/or Epicor , and Microsoft Office tools.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.