Purchasing Manager

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

We are seeking an hands-on experienced and results-driven Purchasing Manager to lead our procurement team in a fast-paced, evolving aerospace environment. This role will manage a team of direct material and indirect material buyers, with a strong focus on KPI performance, process improvement, and system optimization. The Purchasing Manager will work cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics and Finance to ensure timely, cost-effective material availability that supports our aggressive production schedules.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and mentor a team of buyers (direct & indirect), ensuring alignment with program and production schedules.


• Set and track performance goals and team KPIs (OTD, PO cycle time, PPV, PO accuracy, expedite rate).


• Implement and standardize core procurement processes across direct and indirect spend areas.


• Develop/optimize SOPs for PO creation, change management, escalation, and exception handling.


• Partner with cross-functional teams (planning, quality, engineering, finance, logistics) to align procurement workflows.


• Leverage SAP to manage day-to-day procurement activities, reporting, and analytics.


• Drive improvements in system usage, data accuracy, and automation.


• Support SAP training and adoption across the team.


• Oversee high-volume ordering cycles and ensure timely execution of purchase requisitions.


• Support key purchasing areas including: Drop Shipments, Return to Vendor (RTV), Outside Processing (OSP), Vendor Management Inventory (VMI), Consumables.


• Collaborate closely with the Finance and Planning teams to align purchasing activities with budget controls, accrual tracking, and cost reporting.


• Ensure timely resolution of invoice discrepancies, pricing mismatches, and GR/IR (Goods Receipt/Invoice Receipt) reconciliation.


• Support forecasting efforts for material spend and provide data-driven insights for financial planning.


• Participate in quarterly and year-end financial reviews related to procurement commitments.

What You Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field


• 7+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience (aerospace or high-compliance manufacturing - bonus)


• 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role, preferably with team size of 5+.


• Strong experience with SAP (S/4HANA) – including purchasing, MRP, and reporting functions.


• Proven track record in process implementation, driving accountability, and managing cross-functional projects.


• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience in Aerospace and/or Automotive industry a plus


• APICS certification


• Knowledge of ITAR, AS9100, and export control requirements


• Experience with PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Arena)

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $124,800 - $152,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy .

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [email protected] . All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.