Senior Manager, Indirect Purchasing

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Senior Manager, Indirect Purchasing

Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Senior Manager of Indirect Purchasing will be responsible for building and managing our global operations spend.  This team will manage all indirect material sourcing, purchasing, and contract management, for our growing global company.  With locations in three countries and 14 sites (and growing), it is an exciting time to join the Rocket Lab team and lead/build our team for indirect procurement.  This role will report to the Vice President of Global Supply Chain.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for managing the procure to pay process for all indirect material procurement (IT, Business Services, Contracted Labor, MRO, etc.
• Responsible for managing a team spread across multiple sites while defining global strategies and leveraging local execution
• Partner with key stakeholders, understanding their indirect procurement needs, developing executable strategies to support these needs, and executing contracts at an extermely high level
• Responsible for developing procurement strategies to eliminate or mitigate key risks at Rocket Lab
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers in order to provide solutions to business obstacles
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers to reduce total cost and improve operational excellence
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with critical suppliers to manage performance and align business needs
• 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 in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields
• 10+ years of related experience in purchasing, with management experience in fast-paced environment 
• Proven ability to define team strategy, and build operating plans to achieve vision and long-term goals
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time
• Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment and to multiple deadlines

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in managing remote resources across multiple sites 
• MBA Preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities 
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment 
• Experience in negotiating large indirect contracts for facilities, logistics, construction, IT, capital equipment or business services 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$115,000—$195,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.