Strategic Sourcing Manager

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Reports to: Strategic Sourcing Director

About Observable Space

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for observation and communications — on Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions and advanced government and commercial operators worldwide. Backed by top-tier investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, and RTX Ventures, we're a fast-growing, high-performance team building the future of optical infrastructure — and the supply chain behind it has to match that ambition.

About the Role

We are looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager to anchor our Los Angeles operations, where our CTO and space optics and software teams are based. Our Strategic Sourcing Director is based at our manufacturing campus in Adrian, MI, making this role the primary sourcing presence at our LA facility — close to the engineers defining requirements, building supplier relationships that support LA-based programs, and partnering closely with the broader sourcing team on company-wide strategy.

This is a hands-on role with real strategic scope. You will own day-to-day purchasing for the LA site while driving category strategy, supplier development, and cost optimization.

What You'll Do

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute category strategies for precision optics, electromechanical components, and related hardware in close collaboration with the Strategic Sourcing Director

• Lead competitive RFQ/RFP processes, evaluating suppliers across quality, cost, lead time, and supply risk

  Support make-vs-buy analyses and bring data-driven recommendations to sourcing and engineering decisions

• Identify opportunities to consolidate the supplier base, reduce total cost of ownership, and improve supply chain resilience

• Monitor supply market conditions and proactively surface risks and opportunities to leadership

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Build and own relationships with key suppliers serving the LA site

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual conditions for standard and non-standard purchases

• Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive corrective actions where needed

• Onboard new suppliers in coordination with quality and engineering teams

Tactical Purchasing & Operations

• Own the full purchase order lifecycle for LA — from requisition through receipt and invoice reconciliation

• Ensure all spend follows corporate approval processes and procurement policies

• Manage open orders, expedite critical deliveries, and resolve supplier issues to keep programs on schedule

• Coordinate closely with the Logistics team to optimize inbound freight and delivery planning

• Maintain accurate records and spend data in ERP/procurement systems

• Support inventory management activities including safety stock planning and excess/obsolete material disposition

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary purchasing point of contact for LA-based engineering, software, manufacturing, and operations teams

• Align local purchasing activity with company-wide sourcing strategy in partnership with the Adrian-based sourcing team

• Engage early in new product introduction processes to support supplier identification and component qualification

• Contribute to continuous improvement across the procurement function

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, with a mix of strategic sourcing and hands-on tactical buying

• Demonstrated success negotiating supplier agreements and managing vendor relationships

• Familiarity with optical systems, precision hardware, electromechanical components, or aerospace/defense supply chains strongly preferred

• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, or similar) and procurement tools

• Comfortable working with data: spend analysis, supplier scorecards, and cost modeling

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred

• CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent certification is a plus

Who You Are

• You move fluidly between strategic work and execution — equally at home in a supplier negotiation and chasing down a late PO

• Highly organized and effective in a fast-paced environment where production schedules have real consequences

• You communicate clearly and build trust quickly — with suppliers, engineers, and leadership alike

• Proactive by nature: you anticipate supply problems before they become crises

• Analytically driven, but you know when to act on judgment and experience

Why You'll Love It Here

• Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure

• Work on technically complex, high-visibility programs where your sourcing decisions have real impact

• Join a small, collaborative team where your voice is heard and contributions are felt immediately

• Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits