Head of Supply Chain

About Pyka

Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.

To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.

We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.

Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce C02 emissions in their respective industries.

What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.

Role Overview

Pyka is looking for a seasoned and strategic Head of Supply Chain to lead the development and execution of our global supply chain operations as we scale production of our autonomous electric aircraft. This role oversees end-to-end supply chain execution, ensuring operational excellence across procurement, inventory management, international logistics, and vendor relationships.

In this role, you will play a critical role in shaping the systems, relationships, strategies, and team that enable Pyka to meet demand efficiently, reliably, and cost effectively. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role that requires deep expertise in international supply chains, ERP systems, and fast-paced, complex manufacturing environments. If you're excited by the idea of building and leading a supply chain that supports the future of sustainable aviation, we want to hear from you.

A typical day on this role will include: interviewing candidates for your team, implementing new functionality in Odoo for the rest of the team to use, negotiating terms with key suppliers, helping your reports with tricky problems, and hands-on tasks like helping a production team set up kanban bins. We’re looking for someone who loves system building and managing as much as they love rolling up their sleeves and contributing as an IC while the team is still small.

Responsibilities

• Own, develop, and implement supply chain strategies that align with overall business goals, aiming for supply continuity, quality, efficiency and cost optimization while enabling the business to scale significantly
• Lead and manage a team of supply chain professionals, providing guidance, training, and support. Hire world class talent to continue the expansion of the existing team
• Source, build, and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, managing negotiations, contracts, and long-term agreements to secure favorable terms and ensure a reliable supply of materials
• Play an integral role in Pyka’s cost down strategy -- including vendor selection, negotiation, insource/outsource decisions, tax optimization, etc
• Manage complex international logistics, both to and from Pyka’s facility in the US optimizing for speed, reliability, and cost
• Own supply chain aspects of a new ERP (Odoo) implementation at the company
• Collaborate internally with key cross functional leadership teams (ex., engineering, program management, finance, business line...etc.) to negotiate the right tradeoffs, solicit cooperation and resolve problems proactively
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain performance. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track supply chain health and drive improvements
• Monitor KPIs, analyze data, and provide regular reports to management on supply chain performance
• Conduct market analysis to stay informed about industry trends, supply market conditions, and emerging risks that may impact material availability and costs
• Implement robust supplier performance evaluation and risk management processes to ensure high service levels and mitigate supply chain disruptions
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies related to procurement and materials management
• Problem solve and remove obstacles for your team and internal and external partners. Know how to think critically and engage the right teams to help
• Be a team player where no task is too small. Be willing to roll up your sleeves and get the job done
• Embrace the startup life

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years past experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in either a supply chain or production-related role where complex mechanical and/or electrical assemblies were built. At least 5+ years in a leadership position focused on supply chain
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful procurement strategies and delivering cost savings
• Proven track record working with CM’s in China and Mexico on similar products

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, high tech, or another related industry
• Previous experience in implementing ERP systems as they relate to supply chain (ex., supplier portal, warehouse management system etc.)
• Strong team player who can wear different hats to help your team move forward. Willing to tackle individual contributor tasks while managing a small team
• Experience in a “Big” company environment as well as a startup

Company Perks

• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
• FSA with employer matching
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks

Export Control Requirements

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.

Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.