Senior Supply Chain Manager (Defence & Advanced Manufacturing)

Employment Type: Full-time

Reporting To: Director of Operations / VP Manufacturing

About Robotics Centre

Robotics Centre is an Ottawa-based advanced technology company launching domestic manufacturing of defence-focused unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Kanata, Ontario. We design and build secure, mission-critical drone platforms intended for government, defence, and public safety applications. As we transition from development to sustained production, Robotics Centre is building a leadership team capable of supporting regulated, high-reliability manufacturing at scale.

Position Overview

The Senior Supply Chain Manager will be a key member of Robotics Centre’s manufacturing leadership team, responsible for designing, executing, and scaling the company’s end-to-end supply chain strategy for defence-grade drone production.

This role goes beyond day-to-day procurement, it requires strategic oversight, deep supplier engagement, regulatory awareness, and the ability to build resilient, compliant supply chains suitable for Canadian and allied defence customers. The ideal candidate brings experience from aerospace, defence, or highly regulated advanced manufacturing environments and is comfortable operating in a fast-growing startup setting.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and own the supply chain strategy to support secure, defence-compliant drone manufacturing from low-rate initial production through full-rate production.

• Build scalable procurement, inventory, logistics, and supplier management processes suitable for audited and regulated environments.

• Act as a senior advisor to leadership on supply risk, cost structures, make-vs-buy decisions, and production readiness.

• Lead and mentor supply chain and procurement staff as the organization grows.

Supplier & Procurement Management

• Source, qualify, and manage strategic suppliers for electronic, mechanical, avionics, and composite components.

• Negotiate long-term agreements, pricing, lead times, and quality requirements with domestic and allied-nation suppliers.

• Establish alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate geopolitical, regulatory, and single-source risks.

• Ensure supplier compliance with defence, quality, cybersecurity, and export control requirements.

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee material planning, inventory control, and production support in alignment with engineering and manufacturing schedules.

• Maintain ERP/MRP accuracy, including BOMs, lead times, and demand forecasts.

• Manage inbound logistics, including controlled goods, customs, and import documentation as required.

• Ensure compliance with Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), ITAR-related considerations, and other applicable defence regulations.

• Support audits and customer reviews related to supply chain integrity and traceability.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track supply chain KPIs including on-time delivery, inventory turns, supplier quality, and cost performance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, lead time improvement, and risk reduction

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program teams

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations, or related field

• 8+ years of progressive supply chain or procurement experience, including senior or lead responsibilities

• Proven experience in aerospace, defence, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments

• Strong knowledge of defence-oriented supply chains, traceability, and compliance requirements

• Experience standing up or scaling supply chain operations in a startup or growth-stage organization

• Advanced negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation skills

• Strong analytical, planning, and cross-functional leadership capabilities

Preferred Assets

• Experience supporting UAS, aerospace systems, robotics, or defence electronics manufacturing

• Familiarity with Canadian defence procurement, allied supply chains, and export controls

• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

• Eligibility for Canadian security clearance is required

Benefits & Compensation

Robotics Centre offers a competitive and flexible compensation package designed to attract senior leadership talent:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits

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Robotics Centre is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.