Supply Chain Management Lead

Honda Research Institute USA, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. in Greensboro, NC is seeking a senior procurement leader to drive supply chain strategies for a cutting-edge eVTOL Proof of Concept program. You will engage suppliers, manage sourcing and contract negotiations, and align procurement with program milestones and cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes building scalable supplier ecosystems and translating R&D insights into production readiness while collaborating with Engineering and Project Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management.
• 10+ years' aerospace procurement & supply chain experience.
• Experience in R&D or foundational research programs preferred.
• Working experience with ERP systems.
• Full time on-site work (Greensboro, NC).

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for eVTOL program in collaboration with engineering and PM teams.
• Lead contract negotiations to optimize cost, schedule and quality.
• Manage supplier development and deliveries aligned with program milestones.
• Mitigate project risks through close communication with leadership.
• Provide guidance to SCM team and ensure cross-functional execution.
• Develop and implement supply chain processes to support transition from R&D to production.

Skills

Procurement management

Supplier engagement

Contract negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk mitigation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Job Number: P25F14
Be a part of a global mobility company's new project which uses not only automotive technology but aerospace technologies as well. Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. locating its branch in California and North Carolina, is currently taking on the challenge of developing eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) technology as an entirely new form of mobility. This is the joint program between the teams in USA and in Japan. We are currently in the stage of fundamental technology research, including the development of a prototype. The role associated with this position is to contribute to the success of the program from a procurement perspective. It entails formulating supply chain strategies aligned with the program's current status and plans, while simultaneously driving the practical operations required to implement them.
Greensboro, NC
Lead procurement and supply chain activities for Honda's eVTOL Proof of Concept aircraft development by driving supplier engagement and alignment from early sourcing through contract execution. In this role, you will manage and track supplier development progress to ensure key program milestones are achieved while fostering strong supplier relationships. Additionally, you will develop and execute supply chain strategies that support the transition from research and development to production, ensuring scalability and operational readiness. To maximize investment efficiency and overall value, you will establish and maintain strategic supplier partnerships and continuously evaluate sourcing opportunities. Furthermore, you will collaborate closely with Engineering and Project Management teams to define, implement, and optimize processes for parts procurement and supplier management, enabling effective cross-functional execution and long-term program success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day procurement activities to support Honda eVTOL Proof of Concept aircraft development in close collaboration with engineering and project management team
  • Lead contract negotiations to achieve optimal cost, schedule, and quality
  • Manage supplier deliverables and parts deliveries in alignment with program schedules
  • Proactively mitigate project and business risks through close communication with project leadership
• Manage supplier performance and development progress in close coordination with Engineering and Project Management teams
  • Monitor supplier milestones, deliverables, and risks, and drive timely issue resolution
  • Provide guidance and direction to suppliers to ensure alignment with program objectives
• Provide leadership and direction to SCM team members
  • Allocate work assignments and provide guidance to ensure effective execution of procurement activities
• Develop and implement Supply Chain and Procurement processes, tools, and governance to support program execution and organizational growth
• Develop and execute Supply Chain strategies to support the transition from R&D to production
  • Define sourcing strategies aligned with prototype development and certification schedules
  • Identify supply chain risks and drive mitigation strategies
  • Build and maintain a scalable and high-performing supplier ecosystem
• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier selection activities

Key Competencies

• Flexibility: Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving R&D environment
• Dual-mode thinking: Ability to balance agility and rigor depending on the development phase and context
• Communication: Ability to communicate procurement and governance requirements in a collaborative and solutions-oriented manner
• Builder mindset: Proactive and hands-on approach to creating processes, systems, and team capabilities
• Strategic perspective: Ability to think broadly and consider long-term organizational and team impact
• Teamwork: Ability to build trust and foster collaboration across teams
• Respect and professionalism: Demonstrates respect for colleagues and contributes to a positive team environment
• Analytical capability: Strong strategic and logical thinking skills
• Judgment under uncertainty: Ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information
• Strategic perspective: Ability to think broadly and consider long-term organizational and team impact
• Teamwork: Ability to build trust and foster collaboration across teams
• Respect and professionalism: Demonstrates respect for colleagues and contributes to a positive team environment
• Analytical capability: Strong strategic and logical thinking skills
• Judgment under uncertainty: Ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management
• 10+ years' professional experience in Aerospace Industry Procurement & Supply Chain
• Experience in R&D or fundamental research program is preferred
• Working experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System
• Full time on-site work (Greensboro, NC)
• Need to lift, push, and pull 25-50lbs. of goods frequently

Bonus Qualifications

• Ability to work with Engineering and Manufacturing design drawings and technical documents
• Strong understanding of Aerospace Parts and FAA Conformity Requirements
• Proficient with Computer based Systems and MS Office products

Desired Start Date

7/6/2026

Position Keywords

Supply Chain Management, eVTOL, Aero Industry, Procurement