Manager Strategic Sourcing Supply Chain
Merlin is a Boston-based aerospace and defense technology company developing AI-powered, aircraft-agnostic autonomy software for fixed-wing aircraft.
About Merlin
Merlin’s Merlin Pilot combines hardware and software intended to perform takeoff-to-touchdown flight functions for military and civil aircraft, supporting reduced-crew and autonomous operations. The operating business began as Apollo Flight Research in 2018, became Merlin Labs in 2020, and is now operated under public parent Merlin, Inc.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will lead end-to-end sourcing for assigned spend, from supplier selection and tendering through contract finalization and ERP execution. You will develop category strategies, negotiate agreements, maintain audit-ready purchase files, manage supplier performance, and mitigate supply risks. You will work with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Finance, and Legal on procurement, compliance, and make-or-buy decisions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a similar field
- 6+ years of experience in commodity management, sourcing, or procurement
- At least 3 years of aviation or aerospace industry experience
- Experience owning complete tender cycles for long-term contracts
- Proficiency interpreting and negotiating terms and conditions
- Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, FAR, and DFARS procurement requirements
- Proficiency with ERP systems, analytical tools, and Microsoft Office
- Analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
- Clear written and verbal communication
Responsibilities
- Run end-to-end sourcing from supplier selection through contract finalization and ERP execution
- Build and execute category strategy across direct and indirect spend
- Drive competitive sourcing and develop business cases for competing scopes
- Manage and rationalize the supply base to reduce single-source exposure
- Negotiate pricing, development, statement-of-work, and software license agreements
- Ensure procurement compliance with company policy, ITAR, EAR, FAR, and DFARS requirements
- Maintain audit-ready purchase files and price and cost analyses
- Engage cross-functionally on specifications, make-or-buy decisions, design reviews, and supplier qualification
- Mitigate supply risk and report procurement KPIs
Benefits
- Equity grants
- Catered lunches
- Snacks
- Coffee, tea, and other beverages
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Flexible paid time off
- 401k matching