Group Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.  ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a highly driven Group Manager, Strategic Sourcing to lead the procurement organization within Apex Supply Chain, managing a team of managers who oversee our global supply managers. This role is instrumental in driving performance across key areas of delivery, cost management, and supplier relationships. As a core member of the Supply Chain leadership team, this role will oversee end-to-end procurement operations—including supplier selection, procurement strategy, negotiations, purchase order execution, and supplier performance management. You’ll work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, and Quality to ensure that our supplier base meets our delivery, cost, and quality expectations. Operating on-site at our Apex Production Facility, this leadership position is critical to ensuring that the production line is continuously supplied with the right components, at the right time, and at the right cost. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, strong operational execution skills, and a passion for building robust supplier partnerships in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment. Responsibilities: - Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Global Supply Managers responsible for sourcing direct and indirect materials for all Apex product lines. - Develop and implement procurement strategies that support production rate increases, new product introduction, and cost-reduction targets. - Build and manage relationships with key suppliers to improve delivery performance, cost competitiveness, and risk mitigation. - Collaborate with Material Planning and Inventory teams to ensure material availability and alignment with production schedules. - Drive strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and long-term agreements. - Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions where necessary to resolve quality, delivery, or service issues. - Partner with Engineering and Quality to qualify new suppliers and materials. - Ensure supply base has capacity to meet increasing volumes as Apex scales rapidly - Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities without compromising quality or timelines. - Ensure purchasing activities are compliant with internal policies and external regulations (e.g., ITAR, FAR). - Provide regular reporting on procurement KPIs and supplier performance to senior leadership. - Support ERP optimization and data integrity related to procurement processes and lead times. Requirements: - Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations. - 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Procurement - 3+ years of Supply Chain or Procurement management - Strong background in strategic sourcing, cost negotiations, and supplier management. - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). - Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools. - Ability to operate with urgency, autonomy, and accountability in a fast-paced production environment. - Strong analytical and communication skills with a continuous improvement mindset. - Experience in supporting production ramp ups and new product launches - Aerospace or Automotive experience - Willingness to travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations. #LI-RC1 WHY JOIN APEX? Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one. WHAT WE OFFER FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: - Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create - Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost - Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ da