Manager, Materials Planning & Materials Management

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. 
We are seeking a highly driven Manager, Material Planning & Materials Management to play a pivotal role in enabling the mass production of spacecraft at Apex. This role will work cross-functionally with both the Supply Chain and Production teams, ensuring material availability, inventory integrity, and seamless material movement to support build readiness at scale.This position will directly lead three core functional areas within the Apex Supply Chain:·       Material Planning·       Inventory Control·       Material Handling & MovementsOperating from our Apex Production Facility, this on-site leadership role is critical to ensuring that the production line is continually supplied with the right components, at the right time, to meet aggressive manufacturing goals.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee a high performing team
• Own and manage demand planning to ensure on-time delivery of raw materials and finished goods to support production.
• Collaborate closely with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts and ensure timely, accurate order placement with suppliers.
• Monitor material availability and proactively report potential shortages or supply risks to leadership.
• Drive root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts in partnership with suppliers to resolve material-related issues.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve material planning processes, leveraging systems such as MRP/ERP.
• Conduct scenario planning to support different build configurations, rate changes, or late design changes.
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness across material functions.
• Apply deep expertise in inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels and ensure data accuracy.
• Oversee and optimize material movement operations, including receiving, storage, staging, and delivery to the production line.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations.
• 10+ years of experience in production control, supply chain, or materials management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership experience, including previous management of cross-functional or operational teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Background in aerospace or automotive manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, material flow, and inventory control processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-complexity production environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as required for supplier visits, operational coordination, or off-site support.

Benefits
Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We offer the following benefits:
• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered. • Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.   • Paid parental leave. • Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self. • A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and so