Supply Chain Manager (Contingent)

Toronto, Canada

Full-Time

CAD $94,363 – CAD $119,363 per year

TLDR

Own end-to-end procurement and supplier management for satellite programs, bridging engineering and external partners to deliver cost-effective, agile supply chains in a fast-moving space environment.

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it! Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler! What We Offer: * Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success. * Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents. * Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown. * Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events. * Relocation packages available for approved roles. * $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth. * Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances. * Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged. * We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row! Position Status: Contingent Upon Program Award As a Supply Chain Manager at Kepler you’ll be responsible for end-to-end ownership of procurement, supplier management, and material readiness across satellite programs. You will bridge the gap between engineering, program management, and external suppliers, ensuring that Kepler’s missions from prototype builds to constellation-scale production are supported by a robust, agile, and cost-effective supply chain. At Kepler, the role goes beyond transactional procurement; it’s about strategic partnership, technical acumen and operational execution in a very fast-moving space environment. Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Management and Procurement

Play a key role in defining and implementing supply chain strategies to meet the needs of the Program

Lead NPI activities for high complexity electromechanical components and assemblies from inception to production

Lead supplier sourcing activities for internal product teams (IPTs) developing spacecraft subsystems and customer hardware

Identify and manage supply chain risk including the development of contingency plans

Optimize component and supplier selection through cost analysis, total cost of ownership, and make-or-buy evaluations

Develop procurement plans by defining and implementing procurement strategies across products and programs

Lead end-to-end procurement activity from sourcing to program delivery

Identify and manage procurement risk including the development of contingency plans – i.e. supplier financial and/or schedule risk

Gather bids & lead reviews with program leadership and key stakeholders

Develop sourcing strategies aligned with technical product requirements

Develop negotiation plans based on the needs of the business

Lead supplier onboarding activities while maintaining and updating approved supplier lists (ASL)

Optimize component and supplier selection, analyze equipment costs and drive savings

Tactical buying purchase order generation for commodities, services and equipment

Supplier Management

Lead supplier due diligence initiatives and onboarding

Act as point of contact for suppliers by confirming delivery schedules, resolving non-conformities and discrepancies, and escalating delays

Contribute to maintaining supplier scorecards and department KPIs

Drive supplier relationship management to ensure responsiveness and reliability

Identify and mitigate supplier related technical and programmatic risks

Support the Quality team to address supplier non-conformances, ensuring timely implementation and verification of corrective actions

Engineering Coordination

Own assigned engineering work packages to maintain control of the costed bill of materials and enable smooth, timely supply delivery

Influence design decisions by proactively identifying and advocating for feasible, cost-effective solutions

Work upstream with the technical community to accelerate and de-risk procurement for long lead and EEE components

Production & Manufacturing Operations Coordination

Lead Clear to Build reviews

Coordinate BoM Readiness Reviews (BRR)

Coordinate and support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)

Participate in production standups communicating expected delivery dates, delays and key updates

Coordinate schedules and expected deliverables to operations groups

Continuous Improvement & Systems Development

Support ERP system refinement and data accuracy to enhance visibility and decision-making

Develop scalable processes & tools to support Kepler’s growth toward larger constellation production

Identify automation or digitization opportunities for supply chain data collection activities

Help drive implementation of inventory management system (IMS)

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering or business administration

7+ years of experience in supply chain management, engineering or engineering adjacent roles

Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components and small/medium assemblies

Experience with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts related to component procurement

Understanding of manufacturing/fabrication process related to mechanical or electrical components (PCB/PCBA)
Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices

Experience with using ERP, Procurement or MRP systems

Ability to assess sourcing, programmatic and technical risk associated with bringing a product from development to production

Experience building automated & scalable reporting methodologies

Bonus Points:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or any other relevant degree
NetSuite experience

Previous work in space, aerospace, or a high complexity hardware industry

Experience with CGP, ITAR, EAR, or Controlled Goods sourcing & procurement

Experience building scalable & sustainable processes & tools

Lean Six Sigma or PMP designation

Experience reading and analyzing engineering drawings and 3D models

Experience with supplier terms and conditions or master supplier agreements (MSA) covering pricing structures, lead times, warranty, quality standards, and delivery terms

Salary Range: $94,363 - 119,363 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
Job Type: Contingent Upon Program Award

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.

Free Meals & Snacks

Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.

Health Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.

Learning Budget

$1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.

great place to work certification

We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

Paid Parental Leave

Supportive parental leave policy

Paid Time Off

Company-wide holiday shutdown

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Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, delivering real-time Internet access for space-based assets. Our service is tailored for industries involved in space exploration and satellite communications, empowering them with continuous connectivity to enhance their data-driven initiatives.

Founded: Founded 2015
Employees: 11-50 employees
Industry: Diversified Telecommunication Services
Total raised: $5.1M raised

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Supply Chain Manager