Global Supply Manager

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a highly driven and analytically minded Global Supply Manager to own the full procurement lifecycle for direct materials while providing strategic and tactical support across indirect spend categories. This is a high-impact, dual-function role built for a supply chain professional who thrives in both the boardroom and the details — someone equally comfortable building a should cost model for a complex machined component as they are managing a critical fastener shortage on the shop floor.

This individual will serve as a key contributor to our aerospace supply chain organization, supporting both the launch vehicle and spacecraft engine programs, partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and supplier accountability across a demanding global supplier base.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a sharp commercial mindset and an obsessive attention to detail. You understand that in aerospace, a missed delivery isn't just a supply chain problem — it's a program risk. You bring strategic thinking to supplier relationships, financial discipline to every purchase decision, and the urgency and composure to manage complex, high-stakes procurement environments. You communicate clearly upward to leadership and outward to suppliers, and you hold both accountable. You don't wait for problems — you anticipate them.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Develop and execute strategic Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes across a global aerospace supplier network, ensuring competitive pricing, technical compliance, AS9100/AS9102 alignment, and favorable commercial terms
• Build and maintain rigorous should cost models for complex aerospace components including castings, forgings, machined parts, composites, and assemblies to benchmark supplier pricing and strengthen negotiating positions
• Identify, qualify, and manage a diversified global supplier base in accordance with DPAS ratings, ITAR/EAR requirements, and applicable aerospace regulatory standards
• Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreement (LTA) execution, and ongoing performance management including scorecards and formal business reviews
• Support make-vs-buy analyses and new supplier qualification activities in partnership with Engineering and Quality

Direct & Indirect Procurement

• Own end-to-end direct material procurement for aerospace components and raw materials, including planning, purchasing, and supplier coordination to meet build schedules, MRP demands, and program milestones
• Support indirect procurement needs including MRO, tooling, facilities, and professional services — applying the same rigor and commercial discipline as direct categories
• Drive purchase order management, lead time optimization, and on-time delivery performance across all assigned commodities

Tactical Procurement Execution

• Manage a high volume of tactical purchasing activities with precision and urgency — including PO issuance, order tracking, expediting, and supplier follow-up in support of flight-rate production and MRO/overhaul operations
• Prioritize and process critical vendor payments in coordination with Accounts Payable, ensuring supply continuity and protecting key supplier relationships on long-lead or sole-source items
• Resolve supply disruptions, material shortages, and delivery escapes proactively, escalating appropriately to program and operations leadership when schedule or airworthiness is at risk

Metrics & Reporting

• Own and publish procurement performance metrics and KPIs to leadership on a regular cadence, including but not limited to:
• • Cost savings and cost avoidance
  • Supplier on-time delivery (OTD)