Commodity Manager - Avionics and EEE Parts Verified today

About the Role

Firefly Aerospace seeks a Commodity Manager to lead strategy and execution for Avionics and EEE Parts supply chains. You will own category strategy, supplier relationships, and procurement execution for both commodity groups, directly supporting Firefly's space vehicle development and production.

This is a strategy-first leadership role balancing technical, commercial, and programmatic priorities across Program, Finance, Engineering, Quality, Production, and other functions.

Core Responsibilities

Strategy Leadership

• Own and drive commodity strategy for both Avionics and EEE Parts, including category strategy, grow/exit/maintain supplier strategies, and long-term strategic agreements.
• Lead strategic market analysis and track industry trends, technology roadmaps, and best practices.
• Define supplier selection criteria, negotiation strategy, and sourcing direction for each commodity.
• Develop and implement supplier engagement and supply base growth strategies aligned to company objectives.

Supply Base Development and Supplier Management

• Lead evaluation and development of Avionics and EEE Parts supply bases for vehicle development and production.
• Manage global supplier performance, relationships, and risk; assess financial health, technical capability, quality, and delivery.
• Facilitate regular business reviews with key suppliers on performance metrics, opportunities, and challenges.
• Support supplier integration into Firefly systems and processes.
• Organize and participate in supplier workshops and industry events.

Sourcing and Procurement Execution

• Partner with Planning and Procurement to translate strategy into coordinated sourcing and transactional activities (RFx, PRs, POs).
• Provide negotiation strategy and support for long-term price agreements; directly lead negotiations for select strategic agreements.
• Issue RFx, PRs, and POs as needed to support the supply chain team during peak demand, gaps, or critical needs.
• Rationalize and consolidate the supply base across both commodities.

Market Intelligence and Program Support

• Monitor and analyze global market conditions, capacity constraints, lead times, and long-term business risks; provide periodic industry updates.
• Work with program stakeholders to identify long-lead procurement needs and ensure continuity of supply.
• Drive schedule recovery and corrective action in support of program and production goals.

Cost, Quality, and People Leadership

• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) savings across both commodity groups.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and quality requirements; support innovation in supplier capabilities.
• Manage assigned staff to meet team KPIs and accomplish company goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or similar role, with focus on supplier and commodity management in aerospace R&D and manufacturing or other regulatory-controlled environments.
• Deep knowledge and history managing Avionics and/or EEE Parts commodities (ICs, passives, connectors, relays, PCBAs, wiring harnesses, electromechanical devices).
• Extensive technical knowledge of manufacturing processes and industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Proven track record managing suppliers and driving improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical skills for market analysis, supplier evaluation, and supply chain risk modeling.
• Experience sourcing for both development and production.
• Strong affinity for networking and building lasting supplier and partner relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally and independently.
• Exceptional organizational skills and proven ability to drive complex projects with minimal oversight and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of procurement software and tools.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to travel 25-50% of the time, including to remote sites.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Engineering background or strong technical experience in assigned commodities.
• CPM or CSCP certification or equivalent.
• Odoo ERP/MRP knowledge.
• ITAR experience.
• Experience with AS9100 and ISO9001 supply base requirements.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR requirements.
• Experience with commercial programs and contracts.
• Aerospace industry experience as OEM, supplier, contractor, or sub-contractor.
• Experience in R&D-focused environment; prototyping and test environment a plus.