Head of Supply Chain

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage. We are seeking a strategic and systems-minded leader to build, own, and lead Hermeus' end-to-end Supply Chain function. You will define the strategy, build the organization, and establish integrated processes to support our ambitious roadmap; developing scalable, fit-for-purpose practices across the full lifecycle from advanced development to full-rate production.  Working directly with executive leadership, you'll translate company objectives into actionable supply chain strategies, building resilient supplier networks and disciplined processes that connect suppliers to shop floor with transparency and accountability. You'll ensure supply chain is a strategic enabler of Hermeus' mission.  U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS  The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.   country: US all locations: [Los Angeles, CA] commitment: Full-time department: Manufacturing location: Los Angeles, CA team: Supply Chain Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership  Define and execute supply chain strategy as the company scales from R&D to production  Build and lead a high-performing organization, establishing structure, roles, and operating cadence  Partner with leadership to align supply chain capabilities with engineering, manufacturing, and business priorities  Drive make-vs-buy decisions and vertical integration strategy  Execution & Operations  Establish scalable processes, KPIs, and systems for end-to-end visibility and control  Own procurement execution across direct, indirect, and long-lead materials  Ensure efficient material flow, supplier performance, and operational readiness  Continuously evolve processes to match the shift from prototype to production  Supplier Strategy & Risk  Build and manage a network of high-performing suppliers  Own supplier lifecycle from selection through performance management  Negotiate key agreements balancing cost, quality, delivery, and partnership  Identify and mitigate risks across supply base, long-lead items, and critical paths  Cross-Functional Leadership  Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and IT  Align engineering schedules, production plans, and supplier capacity Drive accountability, transparency, and strong communication across teams  Requirements: 10+ years of supply chain/procurement experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing  5+ years in leadership roles building and scaling teams  Experience across the full product lifecycle (development through production)  Deep expertise in sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations  Strong systems thinker with experience building scalable processes and working with ERP/MRP systems Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments  Preferred Skills & Experience: Startup or high-growth company experience  Background in aerospace programs, propulsion, avionics, or flight hardware  Experience with ITAR/EAR, classified programs, or government contracting  ERP implementation or transformation experience Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience