Vice President of Planning and Supply Chain

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance. 

Location: El Segundo, CA 

About Us 

Pacific Defense is a leading developer of advanced electronics systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Our team specializes in Open Systems Architecture solutions for the non-kinetic fight, providing customers with cost-effective, modular, and rapidly reconfigurable systems in record time. We deliver sensing and effects solutions for land, air, sea, and space domains, leveraging open standards and rapid prototyping methodologies to bring innovative capabilities to the market. Pacific Defense has built an excellent reputation in the defense industry and is expanding our team to tackle new challenges and opportunities. Join us and accelerate your career! 

Position Overview 

We seek a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Planning and Supply Chain to lead our production planning, supply chain procurement, quality assurance, and subcontract management functions. This role is critical to ensuring our manufacturing operations run smoothly, meet quality standards, and align with business goals. As VP of Planning and Supply Chain, you will oversee forecasting, materials planning, supply chain procurement, quality, and scheduling to ensure operational efficiency and strategic alignment with company objectives.  You will work with our internal Manufacturing Operations and external contract manufacturers to ensure on-time and high-quality customer deliveries. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Planning & Management 

• Develop and implement comprehensive planning strategies to optimize production efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. 

• Support the planning and scheduling of production activities, ensuring alignment with demand forecasts, inventory targets, and customer demand. 

• Coordinate cross-functionally to set and meet operational KPIs related to productivity, quality, and on-time delivery. 

Supply Chain & Purchasing 

• Lead and manage all aspects of the supply chain, including vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and sourcing strategies. 

• Lead procurement teams to develop cost-saving strategies and improve supplier performance. 

• Ensure continuous availability of materials through efficient purchasing and inventory management. 

• Manage key strategic commercial relationships with contract manufacturing suppliers, including negotiating pricing and auditing the billing and production output of these CMs 

Quality Assurance & Compliance 

• Implement a comprehensive quality management system that exceeds AS9100 and ISO9001 standards and provides the framework for Pacific Defense to have the highest quality standards in the industry 

• Establish and enforce quality management standards, procedures, and processes aligned with regulatory, customer, and industry standards. 

• Oversee quality control efforts to identify areas for continuous improvement and drive corrective actions. 

• Maintain a quality culture across operations, fostering adherence to best practices and compliance requirements. 

Subcontract Management 

• Manage and negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, ensuring favorable terms, on-time performance, and agreement adherence. 

• Monitor contract performance, addressing deviations and developing corrective measures as needed. 

• Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts within the supply chain and vendor partnerships. 

• Be responsible for the reduction of COGS, as well as cost savings and cost avoidance goals set by the organization 

Materials & Inventory Management 

• Oversee materials planning and scheduling to ensure the efficient flow of materials through the process operation. 

• Optimize inventory levels, balancing cost control with the availability of necessary resources to meet production schedules. 

• Implement best practices in inventory management to improve accuracy, reduce excess, and avoid stockouts. 

• Set inventory turn goals and report KPIs associated with balancing the cost of WIP and finished goods with product availability. 

Compliance Management 

• Ensure that Pacific Defense meets all appropriate ITAR and Manufacturing Readiness Levels required to meet DOD requirements 

• Ensure compliance with all US and international customs laws associated with the manufacture of electronic warfare equipment 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) preferred. 

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing management, with a strong focus on planning, supply chain, and quality.  Defense industry experience preferred  

• Proven track record of managing large teams and overseeing complex manufacturing operations. 

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control standards, and supply chain management. 

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills. 

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and an immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage for the employee and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, and a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer generous paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest. 

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.