Sourcing & Logistics Manager

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Aether is developing breakthrough biomanufacturing technologies to transform how the world makes materials. Our Materials Development team is scaling novel polymer additive systems into real‑world, high‑volume applications—and we’re doing it at startup speed. We are looking for someone who can operate in and reduce ambiguity, loves building systems from scratch, and is energized by having outsized ownership in a company where infrastructure decisions directly impact commercial success.

$/yr – $/yr

Assume responsibility for the full lifecycle of sourcing, supplier management, logistics, and process infrastructure to support the scaling of our polymer and additive systems.

• Secure and manage primary suppliers for our core polymers at the correct grades, volumes, pricing, and delivery cadences.
• Establish backup suppliers and alternate grades to de-risk every major input.
• Negotiate MOQs, storage terms, fulfillment schedules, and pricing agreements.
• Build strong daily working relationships with CMOs and suppliers globally.

• Set up external storage and down packing solutions near CMOs.
• Build logistics workflows that ensure uninterrupted supply of polymers, additives, carbon fiber, and future materials.
• Manage inventory levels, shipping schedules, and consumption forecasting across multiple sites.
• Oversee compliant handling, transport, and documentation for polymer and chemical materials.

• Replace manual workflows with structured, scalable processes that reduce operational risk.
• Partner with internal teams to define requirements for an ERP system; optionally lead the implementation if desired.
• Integrate inventory tracking between ERP (future) and Uncountable (our ELN and materials database).
• Bring order, structure, and visibility to a currently fast-moving, ambiguous set of workflows.

• Work daily with R&D, Materials Development, Program Management, and Marketing (for sample & product shipment coordination).
• Collaborate closely with process and product development teams to align timelines, materials availability, and risk plans.
• Serve as the connective tissue between technical development and external manufacturing.

• Secure at least two qualified suppliers for our core engineering and performance plastics. Establish external storage near at least one core CMO and operationalize down packing workflows.
• Stabilize daily logistics operations, ensuring zero stockouts and predictable delivery schedules.
• Implement a lightweight interim system (or pilot ERP module) that replaces Google Sheets and provides real‑time visibility into inventory and procurement status.
• Develop a scalable sourcing & logistics playbook that reduces dependency on ad‑hoc processes.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, improving the probability of success of downstream programs.

• Love building structure out of chaos and get energy from bringing order to fast-moving environments.
• Are extremely organized, proactive, and communicative — you track 10 vendors, 30 SKUs, and 8 delivery timelines without dropping details.
• Enjoy spending meaningful time at manufacturing sites, loading docks, storage facilities, and supplier plants.
• Can switch between negotiating polymer MOQs at 8am, reviewing storage constraints at noon, and troubleshooting a CMO shipping issue at 4pm.
• You want ownership. Not a narrow slice, but the whole sourcing + logistics engine of a scaling company.

• 8+ years of sourcing, procurement, or logistics experience in the chemical or polymer materials industry.
• Deep familiarity with polymer suppliers, CMOs, chemical distributors, and industrial logistics workflows.
• U.S. supply chain experience, including domestic chemical sourcing, storage, shipping, and regulatory considerations.
• Experience working directly with engineering and performance plastics.
• Proven track record managing high-volume shipments (≥10 MT orders) and storage constraints.
• Demonst…