Supply Chain Manager

Location:
Hendon, South Australia (global)

Department:
Operations / Supply Chain

Reports To:
Chief Operating Officer

About Praetorian Aeronautics

Praetorian Aeronautics is a leader in aerospace innovation, dedicated to the design and production of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for both military and civilian applications. We pride ourselves on pushing technological boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the complex demands of our clients.

Position Overview

The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for leading all aspects of the company's global supply chain operations — including supplier management, procurement, logistics, warehouse operations, and export control.

This individual will play a key role in ensuring the lawful, efficient, and traceable movement of goods, materials, and technical data between the United States, Europe, and other international locations.

The ideal candidate combines deep operational expertise with an understanding of export compliance regulations, including U.S. ITAR/EAR and European Dual-Use Regulation (EU 2021/821), and their practical application to defence components and controlled technologies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supplier Management

• Develop, evaluate, and manage global suppliers to ensure reliability, compliance, and performance.
• Ensure that suppliers understand and adhere to U.S. and EU export control and re-export requirements.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments with attention to jurisdiction, licensing, and end-use/end-user restrictions.

2. Procurement

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities, ensuring all purchases meet regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Verify that suppliers, freight forwarders, and brokers are approved under export control frameworks (e.g., screened against U.S. denied party lists and EU sanctions).
• Coordinate procurement of controlled components under applicable export licenses or license exceptions/exemptions.

3. Logistics & Warehousing

• Oversee all domestic and international logistics operations — import/export shipments, warehousing, distribution, and transport.
• Ensure accurate classification of goods using ECCN, ITAR category, and EU dual-use codes (as applicable).
• Collaborate with customs brokers and logistics partners to prepare compliant documentation, including:
• Commercial invoices and packing lists
• Shipper's export declarations
• Export licenses and end-use statements
• Certificates of Origin and customs import entries
• Maintain detailed shipment records to support audits and governmental reporting.
• Manage bonded warehouse or free trade zone (FTZ) procedures where applicable.

4. Export Control & Customs Compliance

• Serve as the operational lead for export and import control compliance between Europe, the U.S., and other regions.
• Ensure adherence to:
• U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations
• U.S. Export Administration Regulations
• EU Dual-Use Regulation
• UK Export Control Order
• U.S. and EU Sanctions Programs
• Prepare and manage export licenses, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), and commodity jurisdiction determinations in collaboration with the Export Compliance Officer.
• Implement robust record keeping systems (minimum 5 years retention for U.S., 10 years for EU).
• Conduct export control screenings for all transactions (e.g., parties, destinations, end-use).
• Develop, maintain, and train staff on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering:
• Classification and licensing workflows
• Data and technology transfer controls
• Customs valuation and tariff compliance
• Serve as liaison with customs authorities, regulatory agencies, and freight forwarders during audits or investigations.

5. Contracts & Legal Coordination

• Work closely with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure all supplier and logistics contracts include appropriate export control clauses.
• Support project teams in interpreting export requirements and license scope during program execution.
• Maintain compliance with government contracts requiring DFARS or equivalent export clauses.

6. Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and mentor a team covering procurement, logistics, and materials management.
• Drive a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and continuous improvement in all supply chain activities.
• Monitor evolving export control laws and communicate updates to leadership and program teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business, or Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 7+ years experience in supply chain or export/logistics management in the defense, or high-tech manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience handling exports between Australia the U.S. and Europe, including license management, customs processes, and technology transfer controls.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of the following his highly desirable:
• U.S. ITAR (22 CFR 120–130) and EAR (15 CFR 730–774)
• EU Dual-Use Regulation and TARIC customs system
• Export documentation and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes
• Proficiency with ERP and trade compliance software.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills.
• High integrity and detail orientated, capable of managing sensitive and restricted information.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) or equivalent.
• APICS CSCP / CPIM certification.
• IATA or Customs Compliance training.

Why Join Praetorian Aeronautics

• Play a key role in a globally connected defence operation.
• Influence the company's export control and logistics strategy.
• Competitive compensation, global exposure, and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Work in a dynamic and innovative environment.