Direct Materials Procurement Lead - Aerospace & Launch

Rocket Lab USA; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Manager of Purchasing to lead the direct material procurement team for its Auckland, NZ facility. The role covers aluminum, composites, and 3D printed materials across R&D, new product introduction, and production ramp. You will build a high-performing team and report to the Director of Procurement (NZ).

You’ll negotiate pricing on a first-principles basis, drive a global commodity strategy, and manage supplier relationships. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of purchasing experience with management in a fast-paced environment.
• 12+ total years of work experience.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration to achieve company goals.
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and contract pricing with suppliers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Manage a direct material procurement team for aluminum/composites/3D printed materials.
• Develop global commodity strategy to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Negotiate pricing and build bottom-up cost models to influence design.
• Oversee supplier relationships, scorecards, and quarterly reviews.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align sourcing with production and growth.
• Ensure ERP procurement data accuracy and MD/ROP/EOQ integrity.
• Conduct market research to identify new capabilities and partnerships.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Vendor negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Market research

Global sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a Manager of Purchasing to lead the direct material procurement team for its Auckland, NZ facility. The role covers aluminum, composites, and 3D printed materials across R&D, new product introduction, and production ramp. You will build a high-performing team and report to the Director of Procurement (NZ).

You’ll negotiate pricing on a first-principles basis, drive a global commodity strategy, and manage supplier relationships. Travel up to 10% may be required.