Manager - Purchasing

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

Manager - Purchasing

Based on site at Rocket Lab's Auckland, NZ Facility, the Purchasing Manager will be responsible for building and managing our direct material procurement team for our New Zealand operations. The procurement team supports direct material purchasing for launch and space systems, from R&D and new product introduction through production ramp. We are growing fast, and our ideal candidate will have experience in building and leading a high performing team. This role will report to the Director of Procurement (NZ). This particular role will support all machining commodity purchases for Rocket Lab programs. The scope will cover but not limited to, aluminum, composites, and our 3D printed materials.

What You’ll Get To Do:

• Manage a highly effective procurement team focused on the raw material commodity (aluminum/composites/printed) for our Launch and Space programs
• Accountable for the procurement of direct materials in support of production material demand and rapid engineering development
• Responsible for developing a global commodity strategy to create best in class cost, quality, and delivery goals in support of Rocket Lab's growth
• Negotiate pricing on a first principles basis for purchased material cost and create a bottom-up cost model to influence engineering design direction
• Operate as an external representative of Rocket Lab and manage respective supplier relationships. Conduct supplier performance management including dispute resolution, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews
• Partner with suppliers and internal departments to develop an integrated sourcing and procurement strategy supporting cost optimization, quality improvements, and business growth.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to negotiate and resolve scheduling conflicts, inventory levels, material shortages, delivery requirements, cost improvements, quality improvements, and other material issues.
• Oversee supplier performance, including quality, delivery (OTD), and pricing.
• Function as a key liaison between the Supply Chain team and internal stakeholders including Business unit leadership, Engineering, Accounting, and Manufacturing.
• Ensure ERP procurement and planning data accuracy (ex. safety stock, lead times, ROP, and EOQ) and meta data integrity.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and scouting to uncover new capabilities and potential partnerships that support business unit goals.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in purchasing, with management experience in fast-paced environment and a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (12+ years total work experience).
• 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
• Proven ability to source, onboard, and contract pricing agreements with suppliers
• Proven ability to define team strategy and build operating plans to achieve vision and long-term goals
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of time.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• 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.
• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls (ITAR and EAR)

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.