Procurement and Supply Chain Lead

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated Procurement and Supply Chain Lead to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and executing the supply chain and procurement process for various components and services essential to our advanced technology projects. As a Procurement and Supply Chain Lead, you will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their purchasing needs, negotiate with suppliers, promote process and systems improvements, including implementation of a supplier/vendor performance evaluation process, and ensure that we acquire high-quality materials and services at competitive prices.

Your expertise in supply chain and procurement strategies will play a critical role in supporting our mission to deliver innovative satellite technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement within the aerospace or technology sectors, exceptional negotiation skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to see around corners to what's next.

This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Strategy:
• Develop and implement supply chain and procurement strategies that effectively meet the company's needs while optimizing costs.
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Supplier Relations:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster collaboration and ensure reliable supply chains.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders for market research and supplier identification.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, price, service, and technical capability.
• Contract Negotiation:
• Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with suppliers and vendors to ensure compliance with project budgets.
• Draft, review, and manage procurement contracts, ensuring alignment with company objectives and legal requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Collaborate with legal, engineering, operations, and finance teams to understand procurement requirements and align purchasing strategies with project goals.
• Provide procurement insights to inform project planning and execution.
• Risk Management:
• Identify and assess procurement risks, developing strategies to mitigate them and ensure supply continuity.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues to minimize disruptions to project timelines.
• Process Improvement:
• Continuously evaluate and refine procurement processes to identify risks and increase efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
• Implement best practices and tools for managing procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Reporting and Compliance:
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management to track procurement performance and initiatives.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with program requirements and federal government regulations as applicable, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFAS).

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, ideally in the aerospace, defense, or technology sectors.
• Experience with federal government program support including commercial and non-commercial product and service purchasing, subcontracting, supply chain traceability and compliance requirements.
• Experience with PCB assembly planning and/or machine shop environments.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing suppli