New

Sr. Director of Purchasing (Aerospace)

Aleron
United States, California, Norwalk
Jun 08, 2026
Description Job Title: Sr. Director of Purchasing Location: Norwalk, CA Employment Type: Salaried direct employee Industry: Aerospace Compensation: $200K - $220K plus bonus About the Opportunity: The hands-on and strategic Senior Director of Purchasing is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for managing and optimizing global supply chain operations, sourcing strategies, and all day-to-day purchasing activities in support of supply chain and operations requirements for the ground support business unit, which includes global manufacturing sites in the USA, Portugal, and Thailand, and other potential new sites as may be developed. Additionally, the role oversees performance and oversight of our global supply chain partners. 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. Why This Opportunity is Exciting: This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally. After ~50 years in business the organization is experiencing considerable growth. What You'll Do: 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. The ideal candidate is technically adept, thrives in a dynamic environment, is prepared to be hands-on as needed, and is comfortable balancing both tactical and strategic responsibilities and global site visits. Strong communication, data-driven decision making, and process ownership are essential to success. Responsibilities: Lead global supply chain operations, including strategic sourcing, procurement, production planning, logistics, and inventory management across domestic and international sites for our ground support business unit. 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. Ability to Travel Globally and be on-site in our corporate Los Angeles region office when not in travel mode. About Acara Solutions Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Job Requirements What You'll Bring (Required): Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Aerospace Engineering, Business, or related technical field; Minimum 10 years' of progressive supply chain leadership experience in the aerospace or defense manufacturing sector, with demonstrated success in managing global sourcing and logistics. Min 5 years of experience with aerospace standards and regulations, including AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and FAA requirements. Min 3 years of experience working with machined parts, complex assemblies, and fabricated metal components used in aerospace platforms. Min 5 years of experience working with ERP/MRP systems Min 5 years of proven leadership experience in negotiating long-term agreements, supplier consolidation, cost modeling, and should-cost analysis. Min 5 years of experience leading global teams and managing supplier networks - ideally across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. What Sets You Apart (Preferred): Master's and/or MBA or APICS/CSCP/CPIM certification Global Shop Solutions and/or Epicor Experience with global logistics, global Tariffs, FTZ, and other related subject matters Additional Information: Ability to travel to domestic and international suppliers and manufacturing sites (10-20% travel). After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit. The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you. 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. Apply