Composites Commodity Manager

Position Summary

The Composites Commodity Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for composite materials, components, and manufacturing processes that support both production and new product development. This role ensures supply continuity, scalability, and cost discipline across composite structures, including raw materials (resins, fibers), fabricated parts, and outsourced manufacturing.

Operating in a maritime defense environment, this position prioritizes supply risk mitigation, production assurance, and scalable supplier development over short-term cost optimization. The Composites Commodity Manager partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program teams to ensure composite designs are supported by a resilient and production-ready supply base.

Develop and execute commodity strategies for composites, including raw materials, fabricated structures, and specialized processes (layup, curing, machining, finishing).

Identify and mitigate sole-source risks, and build dual/multi-source strategies for critical components.

Lead sourcing initiatives including supplier identification, RFQs, technical evaluations, and contract negotiations.

Establish and manage supplier capacity plans to support production ramp and long-term demand.

Partner with Engineering and NPI teams to ensure early supplier engagement and scalability validation before supplier selection.

Conduct 48-hour NPI scalability assessments (in partnership with SQE and Engineering), including:
Production capability at rate
Quality system maturity
Lead time and capacity constraints
Compliance (ITAR and regulatory requirements)

Drive prototype-to-production transitions, ensuring suppliers can meet rate, quality, and cost targets.

Manage supplier relationships and performance, including cost, delivery, quality, and responsiveness.

Lead Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) and continuous improvement initiatives with key composite suppliers.

Analyze market trends, material availability, and cost drivers (e.g., carbon fiber, resin systems) to inform sourcing strategies.

Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements through value engineering, process optimization, and strategic negotiations.

Support make vs. buy decisions, supply base optimization, and long-term capacity planning.

Maintain visibility into portfolio-level supply risk, including lead times, constraints, and geopolitical factors impacting composite supply chains.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace), Business, or related field required.

5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain, with exposure to composites, aerospace, marine, or advanced manufacturing preferred.

Strong understanding of composite materials and processes (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, resin systems, autoclave/OOA processes, tooling).

Proven experience managing complex supplier relationships and technical sourcing decisions.

Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills.

Experience supporting NPI programs and production environments.

Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and sourcing tools.

Familiarity with ITAR / defense compliance requirements preferred.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving priorities.