Global Supply Manager (Raptor)

As a Global Supply Manager (Raptor) at SpaceX, you will manage the supply base for critical aerospace components, focusing on machined components and mechanical assemblies. You'll leverage demand forecasts to ensure manufacturing capacity meets production demands, guide procurement and engineering teams on best practices, and conduct comprehensive supplier analyses for effective sourcing decisions.

To qualify for the Global Supply Manager (Raptor) role at SpaceX, candidates should possess an advanced degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience in engineering, purchasing, contract negotiation, or supply chain management. Experience with global supply chains and machining components is highly advantageous.

SpaceX encourages Global Supply Managers (Raptor) to drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers. This includes implementing cost-saving programs, optimizing processes for efficiency, and providing guidance on design for manufacturability to ensure that our suppliers can meet demanding production rates and quality standards.

Ideal candidates for the Global Supply Manager (Raptor) position should have experience in managing large value contracts and a proficient understanding of machining supply chains. Additionally, strong communication skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and experience with customer service in a fast-paced environment are highly preferred.

The work environment for a Global Supply Manager (Raptor) at SpaceX is dynamic and fast-paced. You will be required to be onsite at our Hawthorne location and may be expected to travel up to 15%. The role demands flexibility, self-motivation, and a commitment to teamwork as you collaborate with various departments to achieve project goals.

When answering this question, detail your previous experiences in negotiating with suppliers. Discuss specific contracts you've managed, your strategies for achieving favorable terms, and how your efforts contributed to cost savings or improved supplier relationships.

Outline your methods for conducting supplier performance evaluations, such as utilizing scorecards or metrics that assess quality, delivery times, and cost-efficiency. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to derive actionable insights from performance data.

Discuss strategies such as diversifying suppliers, conducting thorough risk assessments, and maintaining open lines of communication with vendors. Provide examples of how you've successfully mitigated risks in past roles.

Explain your familiarity with regulatory standards that pertain to supply chain management, particularly in aerospace. Share an experience where compliance was critical and detail the steps taken to ensure regulations were met.

Share a specific cost-saving initiative you led, the challenges encountered, and the steps you took to achieve success. Highlight the impact it had on the overall project or company budget.

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, including assessing deadlines, supplier performance, and project requirements. Mention tools or techniques, such as project management software, that help you stay organized.

Detail any experiences you have with NPI processes, including collaboration with engineering teams, supplier selection, and timelines. Explain how you ensured that NPI efforts did not disrupt ongoing production.

Highlight your approach to building strong relationships with suppliers, such as regular check-ins, performance reviews, and collaboration on continuous improvement efforts. Emphasize the importance of transparency and communication.

Describe the criteria you evaluate when making make vs. buy decisions, including cost analysis, supplier capabilities, lead times, and long-term strategy. Provide a case study from your experience that illustrates your decision-making process.

Discuss your proactive approach to dealing with quality issues, such as conducting root cause analyses, working with the supplier to implement corrective actions, and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.