Global Supply Manager - Capex and Materials

Vulcan Elements; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements in Durham, NC is seeking a Global Supply Manager for Capex and Materials. The role involves developing sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships to scale manufacturing capabilities in the production of rare-earth magnets.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, particularly in Capex, with a strong focus on supplier negotiations and cost management.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields and familiarity with ERP systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, or procurement.
• Proven experience sourcing capital equipment in manufacturing.
• Ability to read technical drawings/specifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for capital equipment.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements.
• Collaborate with Finance on Capex planning and budgeting.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Supply Chain Management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or Business

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Procurement tools

Job description

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare‑earth permanent magnets to enable a secure and resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resilience, we serve critical industries including defense, aerospace, and automotive—powering a high‑technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence, and Transparency.

As the Global Supply Manager – Capex and Materials, you will own the sourcing strategy and supplier ecosystem for both capital equipment and material procurement. You will play a central role in scaling Vulcan’s manufacturing capabilities, ensuring cost-effective, reliable, and high‑quality supply aligned with production ramp timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for capital equipment (Capex) and direct materials supporting rare‑earth magnet production.
• Lead procurement for major equipment packages (e.g., processing equipment, furnaces, automation systems), including RFQs, technical evaluations, and contract negotiations.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to define specifications, evaluate suppliers, and drive design‑for‑cost and manufacturability improvements.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and long‑term supply agreements to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Drive supplier performance management, including KPIs for quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, inventory strategies, and geopolitical awareness.
• Collaborate with Finance on Capex planning, budgeting, and cost tracking for equipment investments.
• Support factory ramp plans by ensuring timely delivery, installation coordination, and readiness of equipment and materials.
• Work closely with Logistics and Operations to align inbound material flow with production schedules.
• Implement and improve procurement processes, systems, and data visibility (ERP/MRP, supplier dashboards, cost models).
• Maintain strong alignment with Legal on contracts, terms, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, or procurement, with a strong focus on Capex and/or direct materials.
• Proven experience sourcing and negotiating capital equipment in manufacturing environments (e.g., industrial equipment, automation, processing systems).
• Experience in advanced manufacturing sectors such as materials, aerospace, automotive, battery, or high‑volume production.
• Strong commercial acumen and track record of successful supplier negotiations and cost reductions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings/specifications and collaborate effectively with engineering teams.
• Experience building and managing global supplier relationships.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities.