Manager - Purchasing

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company providing end-to-end space launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more, aimed at expanding access to space. Our Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequent U.S. launcher annually with over 230 satellites launched, and we are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable rocket for larger deployments. Our Space Systems division designs advanced satellites and spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, including components used in the James Webb Space Telescope.

Supply Chain Role

The Supply Chain team at Rocket Lab manages material and product flows vital to rocket and satellite programs, coordinating assembly kits, inventory, shipping, procurement, and compliance to ensure mission success. This team is key in linking internal departments and maintaining quality standards.

Position Overview

We seek a Purchasing Manager based in Auckland, New Zealand, to lead the direct materials procurement team supporting launch and space systems, focusing on machining commodities like aluminum, composites, and 3D printed materials. This role reports to the Director of Procurement (NZ) and involves managing procurement from R&D through production scaling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead an effective procurement team handling raw materials for launch and space projects
• Manage purchases of direct materials to meet production and rapid engineering needs
• Develop and execute a global commodity strategy for cost, quality, and delivery excellence
• Negotiate material pricing from fundamental principles and establish cost models influencing design
• Serve as Rocket Lab's external liaison, managing supplier relationships and performance including disputes, scorecards, and business reviews
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to optimize sourcing, cost, quality, and supply chain growth
• Resolve issues related to scheduling, inventory, shortages, deliveries, costs, and quality
• Monitor supplier quality, on-time delivery, and pricing adherence
• Coordinate between Supply Chain and internal units like Engineering, Accounting, and Manufacturing
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of ERP procurement and planning data
• Conduct market research to identify new supplier capabilities and potential partnerships

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 8 years purchasing experience with management responsibility in a fast-paced environment and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent 12+ years of total work experience
• Proven team-building and strategy development skills
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing and contracts
• Ability to work cross-functionally to achieve organizational goals
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time

Preferred Skills and Background

• Strong organizational and problem-solving aptitude with effective prioritization
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or disruptive manufacturing sectors
• Background in rapid growth companies
• Familiarity with AS9100 and U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR)

Additional Requirements

• Prolonged computer and office equipment use
• Ability to review detailed documents and monitor screens at varying distances
• Mobility to navigate between buildings and attend meetings
• Occasional exposure to production environments including moderate noise, dust, and fumes

Additional Information

Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on various protected categories. Applicants requiring accommodations for disabilities may seek assistance through designated contacts (U.S. specific).

For U.S. based candidates: Compliance with U.S. Government export regulations requires citizenship or valid work-status and/or ability to obtain authorizations.

For New Zealand based candidates: Background checks including nationality verification per U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are mandatory. Eligible citizenship includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU, NATO members, and restrictions apply to certain dual citizenships.