Strategic Material Distribution Lead

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

 

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

 

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Strategic Material Distribution Lead.

In this role, you will:

Primary point-of-contact and overseer of Aurora’s Inventory Needs

• Dynamic, Technically Deep Manager capable of leading team tasked with operating across multiple rapidly changing operational environments
  • Manufacturing: Ensure availability and accuracy of materials feeding production.
  • R&D: Balance speed of prototyping with financial accountability.
  • Contract Manufacturing: Maintain visibility, reconciliation, and timely replenishment with external partners.
  • Fleet/Rework/Spares: Provide accurate inventory to sustain fleet, field operations, and repairs.

Set and execute vision for Pittsburgh inventory operations

• Define maturity and scalability roadmap as we transition from R&D to manufacturing.
• Drive innovative, data-driven solutions to address first-of-its-kind supply chain challenges in autonomy.
• Expand deliverables through innovative tools (e.g., AI) to improve responsiveness in tasks, forecasts, and projects.
• Serve as primary point of contact for inventory oversight and leadership reporting.

Ensure financial and operational accountability

• Drive cycle count accuracy and enforce FIFO discipline.
• Lead inventory true-up and reconciliation initiatives.
• Maintain best-in-class service levels (SLAs) across stakeholders.

Lead communication and alignment routines

• Run weekly internal team meetings, external customer updates, and metric reviews.
• Use data to surface risks, inform improvements, and drive action.

Champion Continuous Improvement

• Identify, propose, and implement process improvements to drive scalability, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Contribute Pittsburgh inventory insights to broader company CI initiatives.

• Oversee inventory functions and personnel supporting four verticals: Manufacturing, R&D, Contract Manufacturing, and Fleet/Rework/Spares.
• Ensure accurate financial accountability of inventory through cycle counts, FIFO discipline, and true-up initiatives.
• Maintain best-in-class service levels across all internal (Aurora) and external (Suppliers/Customers) stakeholders, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Lead weekly internal team meetings, external customer updates, and metric reviews to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Inventory Management and Material Planning, providing oversight, status, and escalation support.
• Identify and champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Required Qualifications:

• 5-7+ years of inventory management or supply chain leadership experience, preferably in high-tech, automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in ERP/MRP systems (Oracle, SAP, NetSuite), inventory control, and financial accountability.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills, tested in a dynamic environment with continuously shifting priorities
• Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable improvements.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a start-up environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Start-up or fast-growth company experience.
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing and offshore supply ch