Supply Chain Manager

Kepler Communications Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking technology firm in Toronto is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to oversee procurement, supplier management, and material readiness for satellite programs. The role demands strong leadership in supply chain strategies, risk management, and collaboration across engineering and operational teams. Experience in sourcing electro-mechanical components and understanding manufacturing processes are essential. The company offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a welcoming environment focused on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited vacation

Professional development fund

Fully stocked kitchen

Company-wide events

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain management or engineering-related roles.
• Experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical components.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes related to mechanical or electrical components.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement supply chain strategies for various programs.
• Lead supplier sourcing activities and manage supply chain risks.
• Coordinate production readiness and unscheduled delivery plans.

Skills

Supply chain management

Sourcing electro-mechanical components

Risk management

Procurement strategies

Supplier relationship management

Engineering concepts understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Administration

Tools

ERP systems

NetSuite ERP

Job description

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of connectivity - we're leading it!

Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access in space, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 23 satellites already launched and a next-generation optical network on the way, we’re creating the infrastructure that will power the space economy for decades to come.

Technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
• Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance – including dependents.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
• Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.
• We’re a certified Great Place to Work® five years in a row!

As a Supply Chain Manager at Kepler, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end ownership of procurement, supplier management, and material readiness across satellite programs. You will bridge the gap between engineering, program management, and external suppliers, ensuring that Kepler’s missions from prototype builds to constellation-scale production are supported by a robust, agile, and cost-effective supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Management and Procurement

• Play a key role in defining and implementing supply chain strategies to meet the needs of the Program
• Lead NPI activities for high complexity electromechanical components and assemblies from inception to production
• Lead supplier sourcing activities for internal product teams (IPTs) developing spacecraft subsystems and customer hardware
• Identify and manage supply chain risk including the development of contingency plans
• Optimize component and supplier selection through cost analysis, total cost of ownership, and make-or-buy evaluations
• Develop procurement plans by defining and implementing procurement strategies across products and programs
• Lead end-to-end procurement activity from sourcing to program delivery
• Identify and manage procurement risk including the development of contingency plans – i.e. supplier financial and/or schedule risk
• Gather bids & lead reviews with program leadership and key stakeholders
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with technical product requirements
• Develop negotiation plans based on the needs of the business
• Lead supplier onboarding activities while maintaining and updating approved supplier lists (ASL)
• Optimize component and supplier selection, analyze equipment costs and drive savings
• Tactical buying purchase order generation for commodities, services and equipment

Supplier Management

• Lead supplier due diligence initiatives and onboarding
• Act as point of contact for suppliers by confirming delivery schedules, resolving non-conformities and discrepancies, and escalating delays
• Contribute to maintaining supplier scorecards and department KPIs
• Drive supplier relationship management to ensure responsiveness and reliability
• Identify and mitigate supplier related technical and programmatic risks
• Support the Quality team to address supplier non-conformances, ensuring timely implementation and verification of corrective actions

Engineering Coordination

• Own assigned engineering work packages to maintain control of the costed bill of materials and enable smooth, timely supply delivery
• Influence design decisions by proactively identifying and advocating for feasible, cost-effective solutions
• Work upstream with the technical community to accelerate and de-risk procurement for long lead and EEE components

Production & Manufacturing Operations Coordination

• Lead Clear to Build reviews
• Coordinate BoM Readiness Reviews (BRR)
• Coordinate and support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)
• Participate in production standups communicating expected delivery dates, delays and key updates
• Coordinate schedules and expected deliverables to operations groups

Continuous Improvement & Systems Development

• Support ERP system refinement and data accuracy to enhance visibility and decision-making
• Develop scalable processes & tools to support Kepler’s growth toward larger constellation production
• Identify automation or digitization opportunities for supply chain data collection activities
• Help drive implementation of inventory management system (IMS)

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Administration
• 3+ years of experience in supply chain management, engineering or engineering adjacent roles
• Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components and small/medium assemblies
• Experience with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts related to component procurement
• Understanding of manufacturing/fabrication process related to mechanical or electrical components (PCB/PCBA)
• Experience with using ERP, Procurement or MRP systems
• Ability to assess sourcing, programmatic and technical risk associated with bringing a product from development to production
• Experience building automated & scalable reporting methodologies

Bonus Points:

• Experience with using NetSuite ERP
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or any other relevant degree
• Previous work in space, aerospace, or a high complexity hardware industry
• Experience with CGP, ITAR, EAR, or Controlled Goods sourcing & procurement
• Experience building scalable & sustainable processes & tools
• Lean Six Sigma or PMP designation
• Experience reading and analyzing engineering drawings and 3D models
• Experience with supplier terms and conditions or master supplier agreements (MSA) covering pricing structures, lead times, warranty, quality standards, and delivery terms

Use of AI in Recruitment

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support – but do not replace – human judgment.

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [e-mail], and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.