Head of Supply Chain Manufacturing Supply Chain Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA Full-time 165000 - 280000 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. 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. 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

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