Manager - Purchasing

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a full-service space business that designs, manufactures, and launches launch vehicles and spacecraft components, helping expand access to space. Its systems support a wide range of missions, including scientific research, Earth monitoring, climate-focused work, national security, and advanced technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle intended for larger constellation missions. In its Space Systems division, the company builds satellites, payloads, and spacecraft components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Supply Chain Function

The Supply Chain team manages the movement of materials, products, and components across the company. Because many Rocket Lab products are mission-critical for both internal and customer programs, this team plays a direct role in the success of rocket and satellite work. Their responsibilities include assembly kit preparation for Electron production, inventory control, shipping and receiving, direct and indirect procurement, and inspection to ensure materials and products meet required standards.

Role Overview

This on-site role in Auckland, New Zealand is responsible for establishing and leading Rocket Lab’s direct material procurement team for New Zealand operations. The team supports purchasing for launch and space systems from research and development and new product introduction through production ramp-up. The role reports to the Director of Procurement (NZ) and focuses on machining-related commodity buying, including aluminum, composites, and 3D-printed materials.

What You Will Do

• Lead a high-performing procurement team focused on raw material commodities such as aluminum, composites, and printed materials for Launch and Space programs.
• Own direct material purchasing in support of production demand and fast-moving engineering development.
• Build and execute a global commodity strategy aimed at improving cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Use first-principles negotiation methods to establish pricing for purchased materials and develop bottom-up cost models that help shape engineering decisions.
• Represent Rocket Lab externally and manage supplier relationships, including issue resolution, scorecards, and quarterly business reviews.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to create an integrated sourcing and procurement approach that supports cost reduction, quality gains, and business growth.
• Resolve scheduling, inventory, shortages, delivery, pricing, and quality issues in coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance across quality, on-time delivery, and pricing.
• Serve as a central connection point between Supply Chain and key internal groups such as leadership, Engineering, Accounting, and Manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate ERP procurement and planning records, including safety stock, lead times, reorder points, economic order quantities, and related master data.
• Perform market research and scouting to identify new supplier capabilities and partnership opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of purchasing experience, including management experience in a fast-paced environment, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work background; this typically totals 12 or more years of professional experience.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and contribute to company-wide objectives.
• Track record of sourcing suppliers, onboarding them, and negotiating pricing agreements.
• Experience creating team strategy and operational plans that support long-term goals.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Experience

• Strong planning, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, multi-deadline environment with a strong team orientation.
• Background in aerospace, automotive, or other advanced manufacturing settings.
• Experience in a rapidly scaling business.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and U.S. export controls such as ITAR and EAR.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods while using a computer, keyboard, and office equipment.
• Ability to review documents and computer screens and distinguish details at different distances.
• Mobility to move between buildings, attend meetings, and access different work areas.
• Occasional exposure to production settings with moderate noise, dust, and fumes.

What To Expect

Rocket Lab emphasizes hard work, determination, innovation, teamwork, grit, and the willingness to tackle challenging work. The company values colleagues who support one another, keep egos in check, and stay focused on execution under pressure and tight deadlines.

Important Information

For U.S. office roles, employment is subject to U.S. export control rules, including ITAR. Eligibility may require U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or other required authorization from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on protected characteristics including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.

For U.S.-based candidates needing a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, a dedicated contact is provided for disability-related assistance.

For New Zealand office candidates, background checks are required before any offer is made. These checks include nationality screening because the role requires access to equipment and data controlled under U.S. ITAR regulations. Under these rules, candidates may be ineligible if they are not citizens of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.