Supply Chain Director

Supply Chain Director

Location: Busek Co. Inc. | Natick, MA

Position Type: Full-Time

About Busek

Busek Co. Inc. is a leading developer of advanced space propulsion and power systems supporting NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial aerospace customers. We design, build, and test mission-critical hardware for space exploration and national defense. Our team combines technical innovation with hands-on execution to solve challenging problems in advanced propulsion and aerospace technology.

Position Summary

Busek is seeking a Supply Chain Director to lead purchasing, material planning, inventory management, supplier quality engineering (SQE), and subcontract management. This role is responsible for ensuring materials, components, and services are available to support production schedules, program milestones, and company growth.

The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering or hands-on experience working in an engineering-driven manufacturing environment, along with strong supply chain leadership experience. This person will understand the technical requirements of complex hardware, work effectively with Engineering and Manufacturing, and lead the transition from development and R&D activities to repeatable production processes.

The Director will lead and develop the supply chain team, strengthen supplier and subcontractor relationships, improve supplier performance, and establish scalable processes that support Busek’s engineering, manufacturing, and program objectives. Success requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution in a growing aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Leadership: Lead purchasing, material planning, inventory management, supplier quality engineering, and subcontract management.
• Procurement and Sourcing: Oversee sourcing, supplier selection, purchase orders, commercial negotiations, cost management, and supplier performance.
• Inventory and Material Planning: Establish effective planning and inventory controls to maintain material availability, optimize inventory levels, reduce shortages, and support production schedules.
• Supplier Quality Engineering: Lead SQE activities to ensure suppliers meet Busek’s quality, technical, documentation, and delivery requirements. Partner with Quality and Engineering to address supplier nonconformances and drive corrective actions.
• Subcontract Management: Own relationships with subcontractors providing specialized manufacturing, processing, engineering, and other services. Establish clear expectations for cost, schedule, quality, and performance.
• Supplier Relationships: Develop strategic supplier partnerships, resolve escalations, mitigate supply risks, and improve on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Engineering and Manufacturing Coordination: Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to translate technical requirements into sourcing strategies, material plans, and supplier commitments.
• R&D to Production Transition: Partner with Engineering to move materials, components, and processes from development and prototype builds into repeatable production. Address supply chain challenges associated with evolving designs, specialized components, and changing technical requirements.
• Planning Systems and Processes: Improve ERP/MRP utilization, demand planning, purchasing workflows, inventory accuracy, and supply chain reporting.
• Performance and Continuous Improvement: Establish and monitor KPIs covering supplier delivery, quality, inventory, purchasing performance, cost, and subcontract execution.
• Compliance: Ensure supply chain activities support applicable AS9100D, ISO 9001, ITAR, and U.S. government contract requirements, including relevant FAR/DFARS flow-downs.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop buyers, planners, SQEs, and other supply chain personnel. Establish clear accountability, priorities, and development goals.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field.
• Required engineering experience , including an engineering degree, hands-on engineering experience, or a demonstrated track record working closely with engineering teams in a technical manufacturing environment.
• Significant progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, materials management, or operations, preferably in aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing.
• Experience leading purchasing, inventory, material planning, supplier quality, and/or subcontract management functions.
• Ability to understand technical drawings, specifications, bills of material, and engineering requirements and apply that understanding to sourcing, supplier selection, and material planning.
• Experience supporting engineering development, prototype builds, or the transition from R&D to production.
• Demonstrated ability to improve supplier performance, resolve delivery and quality issues, and manage supply chain risks.
• Experience managing subcontractor relationships, commercial terms, schedules, and performance expectations.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, demand planning, production scheduling, and material availability.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain performance metrics.
• Familiarity with AS9100D, ISO 9001, and applicable U.S. government contracting requirements, including ITAR and FAR/DFARS.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, establish accountability, and work effectively across engineering and manufacturing organizations.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining engaged in day-to-day execution.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work hours, with occasional work-from-home opportunities where business needs permit
• Professional development opportunities

U.S. Citizenship Requirement

Due to the nature of work performed under U.S. government contracts and applicable security and contractual requirements, this position is limited to U.S. citizens.