Director, Planning & SIOP

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. The Director, Planning & SIOP is responsible for leading the integrated planning function across demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply planning to support efficient, scalable operations. This role aligns sales forecasts with production capabilities and inventory strategies to ensure on-time delivery of aerospace and defense products while optimizing cost, capacity, and working capital. The Director will drive cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Operations, Finance, and Program Management to enable predictable execution in a dynamic, high-growth environment and will lead the effort to establish a robust SIOP process. Responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end Sales, Inventory & Operation Planning (SIOP) process, including demand forecasting, supply planning, capacity planning, and inventory optimization Partner with Sales and Business Development to develop accurate demand forecasts and scenario plans Accountable for eliminating manual material request workflows by implementing a system-driven, MRP-enabled planning and execution process within Odoo, improving material availability, inventory accuracy, and production readiness. Align production, procurement, and inventory strategies with forecasted demand and program requirements Mature and maintain inventory policies, safety stock levels, and replenishment strategies to balance service levels and cost Drive cross-functional alignment between Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance Operations, and Program Management Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, service levels, and on-time delivery Identify and drive mitigation of supply chain risks, including material shortages and capacity constraints Develop deep knowledge of ERP, MES to implement improved planning systems, tools, and data analytics for visibility and decision-making Lead and develop a high-performing planning team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on demand, supply, and inventory health Other duties as assigned Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field 10+ years of experience in supply chain, demand planning, or operations within aerospace, defense, or manufacturing environments Proven experience leading S&OP/IBP processes in a complex, cross-functional organization Strong expertise in demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply planning methodologies Demonstrated ability to balance customer demand with operational constraints and financial targets Experience with ERP/MRP systems and planning tools Strong leadership and team management experience Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills Preferred Experience: Advanced degree (MBA or MS) in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field Experience in a high-growth or startup aerospace/defense company Familiarity with long-lead materials, regulated supply chains, and compliance requirements (ITAR/EAR) Experience with advanced planning systems (APS) or demand planning software Background in production planning and capacity modeling APICS/ASCM certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) Working Conditions / Physical Demands Primarily office-based with regular interaction across operations, supply chain, and manufacturing teams Occasional time spent in warehouse or production environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work on a computer for prolonged durations Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., materials, documents,