Supply Chain Director
About Us:
Kite Magnetics, founded in 2022 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is an advanced materials engineering and manufacturing company. Our innovative and patented technology, Aeroperm®, a nanocrystalline magnetic material developed at Monash University, delivers unparalleled efficiency in electric motors and generators.Designed for weight-sensitive and energy-intensive applications, Aeroperm® significantly reduces the total cost of ownership while enhancing system performance. As industry leaders, we are committed to transforming global energy efficiency through cutting-edge materials science.
Position Overview:
As we expand into new R&D and Pilot Manufacturing premises, we seek a dynamic and experienced Supply Chain Director to lead our supply chain initiatives. This role will be pivotal in negotiating leases for new facilities, ensuring that all technical and operational requirements are met while securing favourable terms aligned with our long-term strategic goals.The successful candidate will also spearhead the procurement of critical capital equipment, including negotiating purchase agreements, warranties, and service contracts to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Additionally, you will be responsible for establishing and managing supply agreements with key material suppliers, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality materials essential for our production processes.
Targeting Commencement in January/February 2025
Reporting to: Head of Operations
Key Responsibilities:
Supply Chain Development:
- Design and implement a robust supply chain strategy that supports the company’s growth and expansion into new R&D and manufacturing facilities.
- Establish and optimise end-to-end supply chain processes to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
Procurement and Capital Equipment:
- Identify and procure capital equipment required for new R&D and manufacturing premises.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers and vendors to secure the best value for the company.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with equipment suppliers to ensure timely delivery and installation.
Supplier Management:
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for raw materials, equipment, and services necessary for production.
- Monitor supplier performance, ensuring quality, reliability, and compliance with contractual agreements.
- Implement supplier quality management processes to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality materials and components.
Logistics and Inventory Management:
- Oversee logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution, to ensure seamless product flow.
- Implement effective inventory management practices to optimise stock levels and minimise costs.
Team Building and Leadership:
- Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing supply chain and logistics team.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation within the team.
- Provide mentorship and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
Growth and Expansion:
- Collaborate with the executive team to plan and execute the company's expansion into new R&D, pilot manufacturing and volume manufacturing premises.
- Negotiate leases for new premises, ensuring the technical requirements are met, favourable terms are met, and the leases are aligned with company goals.
- Ensure supply chain and logistics infrastructure are scalable to support future growth.
Risk Management:
- Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimise disruptions.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes that may impact the supply chain.
Performance Metrics and Reporting:
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance.
- Prepare and present regular reports on supply chain activities, highlighting areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or equivalent experience or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, a related discipline or equivalent experience highly regarded.
Experience:
- Proven experience (10+ years) in supply chain management within the manufacturing sector supporting the automotive, aerospace, or defence industries.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, procurement, and logistics.
- Experience with the procurement of capital equipment and setting up new facilities.
- Experience negotiating with global suppliers for capital equipment purchases, material supply agreements and facility leases or purchases.
- Proficiency in identifying, implementing and integrating supply chain software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, demand planning software).
- Experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) processes highly regarded.
Personal Attributes:
- Honest, curious, inclusive, collaborative, transparent, and responsible.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
- Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working hours
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
Kite Magnetics is an equal-opportunity and equal-outcome employer. We celebrate you and the diversity you bring and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, suppliers, and customers.