Commodity Manager - Marine

$100,000 - $160,000/Yr

Rocket Lab USA - Middle River, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Middle River, MD

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, known for its innovative rockets and satellites that support vital space missions. The Commodity Manager - Marine will play a crucial role in managing the supply chain aspects related to the Marine Category, specifically focusing on the Barge landing craft, which is essential for the Neutron rocket program. This position is part of the Indirect Purchasing team, which supports all indirect purchasing for Rocket Lab, with a specific emphasis on the Neutron launch from research and development to the first automated recovery of a launch vehicle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing shipyards or technical program developments, and will report to the Senior Manager of Indirect Purchasing. In this role, the Commodity Manager will be responsible for overseeing all supply chain management aspects related to the Marine Category, including cost, timing, and strategy. This includes issuing Request for Quotations, negotiating contract proposals, and managing supplier agreements. The manager will also address various areas of commodity management such as market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies. As an external representative of Rocket Lab, the Commodity Manager will manage supplier relationships, conduct performance management, and negotiate pricing to achieve competitive cost structures for construction and offshore operations. The position requires effective internal communication regarding supply, cost, and quality with key management leadership, as well as the development and execution of mitigation plans to address supplier-related issues. The role demands a collaborative approach, working in a cross-functional team environment to achieve company-wide goals. Occasional travel to Gulf Coast Shipyards may be required as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Supply Chain Management aspects related to the Marine Category including cost, timing, and strategy.
• Issue Request for Quotations, negotiate contract proposals, and manage supplier agreements.
• Address all areas of commodity management including market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies.
• Operate as an external representative of Rocket Lab and manage supplier relationships.
• Conduct supplier performance management including dispute resolution, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers to achieve best in class cost structures for construction and offshore operations.
• Manage internal communications on supply, cost, and quality with key management leadership.
• Develop and execute mitigation plans to address supplier created issues.
• Work in a cross-functional team environment as a strong team player.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or other relevant fields.
• 7+ years of related experience in supply chain management or commodity management.
• Excellent negotiation skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, marine or highly technical field.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and provide insight on cost or manufacturability.
• Prior experience in a rapid growth environment with constantly shifting priorities or deliverables.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Team oriented, strong ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Top tier medical PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Childcare concierge services.
• Other discounts.