Head of Supply Chain
Axiom Space
Operations
Houston, TX, USA
Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.
Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a Head of Supply Chain who is fueled by high accountability and ownership, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Supply Chain is a senior leader accountable for the full procurement and supplier ecosystem — from strategic sourcing and supplier qualification through material planning, logistics, and delivery performance. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role leads a multi-functional team of buyers, material planners, and supplier development engineers. The Head of Supply Chain is a key executive partner on make/buy decisions, affordability initiatives, and program risk reviews, and is the primary interface with the supply base for strategic relationships. Leads end-to-end supply chain strategy, procurement, and supplier management to enable on-time, on-cost delivery across all aerospace programs.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and execute enterprise supply chain strategy aligned to program schedules, affordability targets, and risk posture
- Lead, develop, and performance-manage a team of buyers, planners, and supplier development engineers
- Own the supplier qualification and approved vendor list (AVL) strategy
- Drive strategic negotiations and long-term agreements with critical and sole-source suppliers
- Establish supply chain risk management processes for long-lead, sole-source, and ITAR-controlled items
- Represent supply chain in program reviews, EAC/ETC processes, and executive S&OP
- Partner with quality to enforce supplier flow-down requirements and manage SCARs
- Lead affordability and should-cost initiatives across the supply base
- Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, and DFAR procurement requirements
- Define long‑term sourcing, supplier segmentation, and cost‑optimization strategies aligned with business goals.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, logistics, and finance to ensure continuity of supply and accurate forecasting.
- Support business development with supply chain input on proposals and should-cost models
Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and leadership on supply chain, compliance, and risk matters
- Help define and execute the company’s overall supply chain strategy in alignment with business goals
- Builds resilient, diversified supply chains proactively, not reactively
- Translates program requirements into supplier accountability structures
- Navigates competing priorities across cost, schedule, and technical risk
- Develops talent and succession depth within the organization
- Operates with integrity in supplier relationships and procurement ethics
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Note: Level and compensation will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Education & Experience
- B.S. in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; M.S. or MBA preferred
- 12+ years of supply chain experience in aerospace, defense, or adjacent regulated industry
- Demonstrated leadership of supply chain teams of 5+ people
- Experience owning procurement spend in the range of $50M+
- Deep knowledge of AS9100 supplier flow-downs, DFAR, and FAR compliance
- Proven supplier negotiation and strategic sourcing expertise
- CPIM, CSCP, or CPM certification (APICS/ISM) strongly preferred
- Experience managing ITAR-controlled commodity categories and export licensing
- Executive-level communication and cross-functional influence skills
Functional Competencies
- Strong business judgment and ability to balance supply chain risk with commercial objectives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to operate in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
- Collaborative leadership style with excellent influencing skills
- Strong project management discipline, highly organized, and takes ownership.
- Uses sound judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
- Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results
- Strong agility and adaptability to integrate quickly into a small team.
Persona
- Passion for space and the mission.
- Entrepreneurial, growth mindset.
- High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
- Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster.
Core Competencies:
Embody our core values of Leadership, Innovation, and Teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Accountability
- Technical Rigor
- Execution Discipline
- Pride of Delivery
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Generally, an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements
- Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
- Management has the discretion to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.