Category Manager, Facilities

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. Category Manager Build and sustain a supply chain that supports indirect, tooling and CapEx needs for Rocket Lab. Category Managers must source and develop reliable suppliers, with exceptional quality, and under agreed commercial terms. They will guide teams on proper sourcing strategy, support suppliers with new product introduction, and collaborate with finance to ensure large purchases are planned and approved. They will ensure suppliers are developed to grow with Rocket Lab and relationships are set up to foster collaboration and proactively identify/mitigate risks. RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for identifying and developing suppliers that meet the indirect procurement needs (indirect materials, consumables, tooling, services, and large capital expenditures) of Rocket Lab Work with Finance to develop controls and faster approval processes for indirect purchases Negotiate pricing with suppliers to reduce total material cost Tender proposals and quotes, and negotiate contracts with vendors Manage suppliers for Cost, Quality, and Delivery Identify part supply constraints that may impact production schedule, and create mitigation plans Accountable for ensuring supplier master data within a contracts management tool is up to date Work in a cross functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company-wide goals. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or other relevant fields 5+ years of related experience as Buyer Experience working with facilities in a purchasing capacity Proven ability to onboard and contract pricing agreements with suppliers Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings Experience with AS9100, ITAR export controls, EAR, and FAR Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 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 and to multiple deadlines Proficient in SQL and MRP systems Prior experience in rapid growth environment The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.  In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation offer package based on individual qualifications and experience, including company stock. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Pay Range (CA Only) $123,000 — $157,000 USD Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.  Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here  ITAR Regulations.