Associate Director of Prototype Supply Chain

Job Summary

Leads the build, execution, and scaling of a prototype-focused supply chain function supporting fast-paced R&D and early production environments. This role owns end-to-end supply continuity for prototype builds - prioritizing speed and quality over cost - while establishing the operating model, supplier network, and team required to scale.

The Associate Director operates as an execution leader first: directly driving sourcing, supplier engagement, and issue resolution on critical path hardware. In parallel, this role defines and implements a tiered sourcing strategy (Insourced → Local → Domestic → North America → Foreign) to balance speed, quality, and scalability as programs mature.

This leader builds and develops a high-performing team spanning tactical procurement, supplier quality, and program-facing supply chain, while acting as the primary interface between Engineering, Prototype Operations, and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

Execution & Supply Continuity (Primary)

* Own material readiness for all prototype builds, ensuring no supply-driven line stoppages or delays on critical path items.

* Personally lead sourcing and procurement of complex, high-risk components (e.g., PCBA, machined parts, actuators, castings) in early phases.

* Drive rapid supplier identification, qualification, and onboarding aligned to aggressive development timelines.

* Act as the escalation point for part shortages, quality issues, and supplier execution failures; lead resolution to closure.

* Partner daily with engineering and build teams to maintain a clear-to-build plan and dynamically adjust priorities.

Prototype Supply Chain Strategy

* Define and operationalize sourcing pathways based on program maturity:

1. Insourced → 2. Local → 3. Domestic → 4. North America → 5. Foreign

* Establish decision frameworks that prioritize lead time, iteration speed, and quality before cost optimization.

* Build flexible supply models that support rapid design changes, low volumes, and high variability.

* Transition sourcing strategies as products evolve from prototype to scalable production without disrupting development velocity.

Supplier Quality & Performance

* Establish strong supplier quality standards appropriate for prototype environments (fit, function, speed of iteration).

* Partner closely with engineering to ensure suppliers can meet evolving technical requirements and tolerances.

* Implement lightweight but effective qualification and validation processes to ensure first-pass success.

* Drive root cause resolution with suppliers on quality escapes and repeat failures.

Team Build & Leadership

* Build and lead a team of sourcing, procurement, commodity, and supplier quality professionals tailored to prototype operations.

* Define roles, responsibilities, and operating mechanisms across supply chain and engineering interfaces.

* Coach team members to operate with urgency, ownership, and strong technical judgment.

* Scale the organization in alignment with build rate and program complexity.

Cross-Functional Integration

* Act as the primary supply chain partner to Prototype Operations, Engineering, and Data Operations teams.

* Integrate supply chain into build planning, test readiness, and repair workflows.

* Provide clear visibility into material status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.

* Influence design decisions to improve manufacturability, lead time, and supplier feasibility.

Systems & Operating Model

* Stand up fit-for-purpose procurement and tracking mechanisms for prototype environments (ERP/MRP, lightweight tracking, dashboards).

* Establish standard work for sourcing, ordering, expediting, and supplier communication.

* Build data visibility into lead times, supplier performance, and material risk.

Core Competencies:

Execution Intensity

Delivers results in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. Prioritizes effectively and drives closure on critical path items.

Ownership

Acts as the single-threaded owner of supply continuity; proactively identifies and resolves issues before impact.

Technical Judgment

Understands complex electromechanical systems and can engage deeply with engineering and suppliers.

Collaboration

Work…