Global Supply Manager - Capex and Materials

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets to enable a secure and resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resilience, we serve critical industries including defense, aerospace, and automotive—powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence, and Transparency.

As the Global Supply Manager – Capex and Materials, you will own the sourcing strategy and supplier ecosystem for both capital equipment and material procurement.  You will play a central role in scaling Vulcan’s manufacturing capabilities, ensuring cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality supply aligned with production ramp timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for capital equipment (Capex) and direct materials supporting rare-earth magnet production.


• Lead procurement for major equipment packages (e.g., processing equipment, furnaces, automation systems), including RFQs, technical evaluations, and contract negotiations.


• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to define specifications, evaluate suppliers, and drive design-for-cost and manufacturability improvements.


• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and long-term supply agreements to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.


• Drive supplier performance management, including KPIs for quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.


• Mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, inventory strategies, and geopolitical awareness.


• Collaborate with Finance on Capex planning, budgeting, and cost tracking for equipment investments.


• Support factory ramp plans by ensuring timely delivery, installation coordination, and readiness of equipment and materials.


• Work closely with Logistics and Operations to align inbound material flow with production schedules.


• Implement and improve procurement processes, systems, and data visibility (ERP/MRP, supplier dashboards, cost models).


• Maintain strong alignment with Legal on contracts, terms, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.


• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain, or procurement, with a strong focus on Capex and/or direct materials.


• Proven experience sourcing and negotiating capital equipment in manufacturing environments (e.g., industrial equipment, automation, processing systems).


• Experience in advanced manufacturing sectors such as materials, aerospace, automotive, battery, or high-volume production.


• Strong commercial acumen and track record of successful supplier negotiations and cost reductions.


• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings/specifications and collaborate effectively with engineering teams.


• Experience building and managing global supplier relationships.


• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.