Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.
Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Head of Procurement and Logistics is responsible for leading the transformation of our supply and fulfillment operations into a sophisticated, multi-regional network. As Advanced Navigation scales, you will evolve our Sydney-centric foundations into a globally integrated system that supports our regional operations.
You will be a key contributor to the company’s financial metrics, directly influencing gross margin targets and global delivery efficiency through strategic material cost management. You will lead the strategy for a seamless international supply chain—ensuring the efficient movement of materials and finished goods across our global hubs. You will be a transformational leader, responsible for equipping and leading the team to balance tactical purchasing and shipping with strategic category management and logistics optimization. This role ensures the global supplier and distribution network is optimized for capacity, lead time, and cost, while navigating the complexities of regional customer delivery and compliance mandates.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute sourcing strategies to identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers of raw materials, components, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing performance, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
- Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, negotiation, and process improvements. Develop and track cost reduction targets.
- Supply Chain Risk Management: Assess and mitigate supply chain risks, including disruptions, price volatility, and quality issues. Develop contingency plans.
- Inventory Management: Collaborate with production planning and inventory control teams to optimize inventory levels and minimize carrying costs.
- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve procurement processes, implementing best practices and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical sourcing practices.
- Budget Management: Develop and manage the procurement & logistics budget, tracking expenditures and reporting on performance.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other departments, including engineering, manufacturing, finance, and quality assurance.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Degree or qualification in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field.
- Post graduate studies and training in purchasing or logistics related field will be beneficial
- 10+ years people management experience
- 10+ years managing or working within a technical purchasing function
- 5+ years managing or working within a logistics function
- Experience managing or working with Production Stock, including processing Production Stock transfers and count journals
- Exposure to electronics including PCBAs and other electronic components
- Very familiar with Manufacturing Procurement, Logistics and Warehousing Best Practices
- Ability to engage, motivate, build and lead a team
- Strong people management, training and development
- Ability to create transparency, stay across the detail while managing a large team
