Director of Strategic Sourcing

Job description

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC SOURCING Location: Los Angeles, CA Reports to: VP of Operations ABOUT OBSERVABLE SPACE At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions. We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space. Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. About the Role We are looking for a Director of Strategic Sourcing to support our operations across Los Angeles, CA and our manufacturing campus in Adrian and Detroit, MI. You will be responsible for building and leading the organization's sourcing, procurement, and logistics functions while partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Quality, and Program Management. You will lead a team of several direct reports and continue to grow the organization from there. This is a high-impact leadership role with real organizational scope for a true builder. You will build a world-class supply chain organization capable of supporting Observable Space’s growth over the next decade – developing people, creating scalable processes, and forging resilient supplier relationships. You will own strategy and execution while driving category strategy, supplier development, and cost optimization across the organization. Your decisions will directly influence product cost, production capacity, customer delivery, working capital, and our ability to scale and deliver on programs that matter – from ground-based observation systems to space optics and laser communications platforms. WHAT YOU'LL DO STRATEGIC SOURCING - Develop and execute the company's long-term sourcing and supply chain strategy - Lead strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, make-versus-buy decisions, and supplier development initiatives - Monitor supply market conditions and proactively surface risks and opportunities to leadership - Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, business continuity planning, and proactive supplier management SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT & NEGOTIATION - Build and own relationships with key suppliers across the organization - Lead high-stakes supplier negotiations on pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual conditions - Drive supplier performance improvement and corrective actions where needed - Onboard and develop suppliers in coordination with quality and engineering teams OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS - Own procurement operations, purchasing controls, logistics strategy, inventory policy, import/export coordination, and transportation planning - Lead Corporate IT through the department's IT leader, ensuring technology, infrastructure, cybersecurity coordination, and business systems scale with the company - Develop operational dashboards and KPIs that enable data-driven decision making - Drive continuous improvement across cost, quality, delivery, and operational efficiency PEOPLE & LEADERSHIP - Build and develop the sourcing, procurement, and logistics team - Develop future leaders while fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and accountability - Serve as a trusted strategic partner to executive leadership on supply chain strategy and risk WHAT YOU’LL BRING - 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across supply chain, sourcing, procurement, logistics, or operations - Demonstrated experience building and developing teams and managers - Track record of scaling supply chain or manufacturing organizations through periods of significant growth - Strong understanding of ERP systems, supplier management, inventory optimization, and operational metrics - Proven ability to build and use data to drive sourcing decisions and report to leadership - Experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing - Familiarity with optical systems, precision hardware, or electromechanical components strongly preferred - Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced technical degree a plus - CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent certification is a plus WHO YOU ARE - You think and operate at multiple altitudes — equally comfortable setting strategy and diving into operational details to solve a critical issue - You build teams and develop people as deliberately as you build supplier relationships - You move with urgency and make decisions with conviction, even in ambiguous situations - You communicate clearly and build trust quickly — with suppliers, engineers, and executives alike - You value ownership, curiosity, and collaboration over hierarchy and bureaucracy WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE - Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure - Work on technically complex, high-visibility programs where your sourcing decisions have real impact - Join a lean, high-performance team where you’ll have the autonomy to build and the authority to execute - Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits