Director Supply Chain Development Program Jobs in Virginia

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

As our Supply Chain Manager, you'll own the end-to-end supplier relationship lifecycle for the EL9 program - from sourcing strategy and competitive bid processes through contract execution and ongoing supplier performance. This means leading RFI/RFP and Master Supply Agreement processes, managing supplier audits, and driving the mitigation of supply chain risk across a fast-moving aerospace development program.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and program leadership. You'll serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and suppliers, own source selection and negotiation activities, and transition into managing On Time Delivery performance as the program matures.

What You'll Do

• Own and deliver the RFI/RFP and Master Supply Agreement process - including supplier development, evaluations, source selection, and negotiations - to hit target costs for components
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal program teams and suppliers throughout the development lifecycle
• Conduct supplier audits through on-site visits, capability assessments, and ongoing performance measurements
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure supplier quality control, including managing failure reporting and root cause corrective action activities
• Identify risks and opportunities across the supply chain and support implementation of mitigation plans
• Transition into managing Supplier On Time Delivery (OTD) performance as the program scales

What You Bring

• BS/BA in Supply Chain Management or Industrial Engineering
• 10+ years of supply chain management experience in heavy industrial environments
• 5+ years of directly applicable procurement experience in the aerospace or aircraft industry
• Demonstrated results in contract negotiations and supplier performance management
• Strong collaboration, organizational, and time management skills
• Effective communicator across all levels of an organization - internally and externally
• Entrepreneurial ownership mindset: comfortable with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and doing whatever it takes to achieve program goals
• Ability to author and review statements of work (SOW), RFIs, RFPs, and supplier commercial and technical proposals
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats
• Self-motivated and accountable - able to thrive independently or as part of a geographically distributed team
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required

Bonus Points

• Experience working in both production and prototype environments
• Project management or program leadership experience
• Experience with international aerospace suppliers and the ability to manage across cultures and time zones

Compensation

$130,000 – $155,000 annually. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking