Director, Global Sourcing and Procurement

JOB TITLE: Director, Global Sourcing & Procurement

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: VP, Global Supply Chain and Operational Excellence

What we do-

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

What we value-

At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work both with each other and our customers, suppliers, and communities. They shape our interactions, guide our decisions, and inspire us to bring our best. Whether collaborating internally or externally, our values drive us to make a meaningful impact within Aspen and in all our relationships.

Aspen's CORE Values

We Do the Right Thing

We are Problem Solvers

We are Allies

We Drive Forward

What you will do-

The Director of Global Sourcing & Procurement will lead the company's global sourcing strategy, procurement operations, and contract management to ensure optimal cost, quality, delivery, and risk management for all purchased goods and services. This leader will drive year-over-year cost reductions, supplier performance improvements, and process efficiency gains, while ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific automotive requirements. The role will have direct accountability for strategic supplier relationships, business contract oversight, and continuous improvement in sourcing processes across a multi-site footprint.

How will you do it-

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the global sourcing and procurement strategy aligned with corporate objectives, focusing on cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and innovation.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives in partnership with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to deliver material cost savings, working capital optimization, risk reduction, and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements.
• Ensure alignment with the company's S&OP process to support production and customer demand. Collaborate with cross-functional and regional teams to align strategies, address challenges, and deliver consistent execution.

Contract & Supplier Management

• Own the creation, negotiation, and lifecycle management of all business contracts, including supply agreements, service agreements, and strategic partnerships.
• Establish robust contract governance to mitigate risk, ensure compliance, and protect company interests.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a supplier performance management system, including KPIs, scorecards, and regular Supplier Business Reviews.
• Clearly establish mitigation plans for critical suppliers & materials to secure supply for the medium term.

Operational Excellence / Cost-Out / Value Creation

• Standardize and improve procurement processes, policies, and tools to drive efficiency and consistency across sites.
• Implement e-sourcing, e-auction, and other digital procurement tools to streamline sourcing activities.
• Champion Lean principles in procurement to reduce waste in administrative processes and material flow.
• Establish a procurement dashboard to clearly demonstrate progress of procurement & sourcing over the medium term.
• Identify, prioritize, and deliver on cost-out initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, alternative material sourcing, and process improvements.
• Partner with Engineering to support VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) activities.
• Collaborate with Logistics to optimize freight, warehousing, and customs-related costs tied to purchased materials.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across Sourcing & Procurement.
• Ensure sourcing practices comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Monitor supply chain risks, including geopolitical, financial, and operational risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Uphold ethical sourcing practices, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Develop digital and analytics capabilities to improve ordering visibility & lead time integrated with Aspen's ERP system, Microsoft D365.

Leadership & Personnel Development

• Build and lead a high-performing global sourcing and procurement team.
• Establish clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and develop succession plans.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to break down silos and improve overall procurement maturity and performance.
• Coach and guide team, executing where necessary, to drive value creation and consistent performance.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team that embodies a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Develop and manage global budgets for Sourcing & Procurement function.

Additional Duties:

• Support risk management planning to ensure supply chain resilience and business continuity.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy that supports business growth and operational excellence.
• Develop a world-class network of strategic supply partners to create a diversified, stable, and economically attractive supply portfolio.
• Ensure actions, decisions and behaviors align with Aspen's core values.
• Oversee core aspects of the global supply chain including Sourcing & Purchasing
• Drive Sourcing & Procurement initiatives across the organization, leveraging best-in-class methodologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities-

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Interview, hire, train, and develop employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.

Skillsets & Character Traits-

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Expertise in developing category strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing complex supplier relationships.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze spend, cost drivers, and market trends to make informed sourcing decisions.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Skilled at working with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance to deliver enterprise objectives.
• Change Management: Ability to implement new processes, tools, and strategies across multiple sites and functions.
• Continuous Improvement: Lean/Kaizen mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Results-Oriented: Relentless focus on measurable cost savings and process improvements.
• High Integrity: Upholds the highest ethical standards in supplier and business dealings.
• Influential Communicator: Able to inspire and align cross-functional teams and suppliers to shared goals; can communicate with all levels of the organization
• Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with competing priorities.
• Acts as an Ally: Supports others and is willing to work in a hyper collaborative environment to achieve the best possible outcomes for Aspen.
• Strategic Visionary with Tactical Execution: Balances long-term sourcing strategies with day-to-day operational execution; Able to drive strategic planning process with their team to achieve tangible results.

Why you are right for the job-

The successful candidate will be/have some combination of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years progressive procurement/sourcing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment (Tier 1 automotive strongly preferred).
• Proven track record in delivering significant cost savings and driving supplier performance improvements.
• CSCP & Lean Six Sigma Certification preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements, automotive APQP processes, and PPAP documentation.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365).
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive quality requirements.
• Familiarity with e-sourcing tools, ERP systems, and data analytics / visualization platforms (PowerBI).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with global teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Bilingual communication skills a plus (Spanish / Mandarin)
• Able to relocate to the Boston, MA area if needed.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels, internally, externally and to executive leadership.

What to expect-

• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world's toughest challenges.

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call and leave a voice message at (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.