The Head of Supply Chain will define and lead Hermeus' supply chain strategy, ensuring effective procurement, supplier performance, and alignment with engineering and manufacturing processes.
Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
We are seeking a strategic and systems-minded leader to build, own, and lead Hermeus' end-to-end Supply Chain function. You will define the strategy, build the organization, and establish integrated processes to support our ambitious roadmap; developing scalable, fit-for-purpose practices across the full lifecycle from advanced development to full-rate production.
Working directly with executive leadership, you'll translate company objectives into actionable supply chain strategies, building resilient supplier networks and disciplined processes that connect suppliers to shop floor with transparency and accountability. You'll ensure supply chain is a strategic enabler of Hermeus' mission.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute supply chain strategy as the company scales from R&D to production
- Build and lead a high-performing organization, establishing structure, roles, and operating cadence
- Partner with leadership to align supply chain capabilities with engineering, manufacturing, and business priorities
- Drive make-vs-buy decisions and vertical integration strategy
- Establish scalable processes, KPIs, and systems for end-to-end visibility and control
- Own procurement execution across direct, indirect, and long-lead materials
- Ensure efficient material flow, supplier performance, and operational readiness
- Continuously evolve processes to match the shift from prototype to production
- Build and manage a network of high-performing suppliers
- Own supplier lifecycle from selection through performance management
- Negotiate key agreements balancing cost, quality, delivery, and partnership
- Identify and mitigate risks across supply base, long-lead items, and critical paths
- Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and IT
- Align engineering schedules, production plans, and supplier capacity
- Drive accountability, transparency, and strong communication across teams
Strategic Leadership
Execution & Operations
Supplier Strategy & Risk
Cross-Functional Leadership
Requirements
- 10+ years of supply chain/procurement experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing
- 5+ years in leadership roles building and scaling teams
- Experience across the full product lifecycle (development through production)
- Deep expertise in sourcing, supplier management, and procurement operations
- Strong systems thinker with experience building scalable processes and working with ERP/MRP systems
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Startup or high-growth company experience
- Background in aerospace programs, propulsion, avionics, or flight hardware
- Experience with ITAR/EAR, classified programs, or government contracting
- ERP implementation or transformation experience
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
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