Ariella Kim
Paramount,CA
Summary
Results-driven Supply Chain and Senior Avionics Procurement professional with expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and supply chain optimization. Experienced in improving supplier performance through qualification, performance management, and cross-functional collaboration while ensuring compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) / Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements. Led initiatives that improved productivity, reduced costs, mitigated supply chain risk, and ensured timely delivery of mission-critical aerospace and defense components.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Senior Avionic buyer
Vast Space
Long Beach, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Led supplier selection, qualification, and competitive sourcing for the Haven-1 program, performing technical capability assessments, cost/risk analysis, and contract negotiations; executed material supply agreements delivering over $1.5M in cost savings while ensuring supplier readiness aligned with program schedule and budget.
- Executed supplier onboarding and qualification for wire harness suppliers, conducting in-depth supplier assessments including quality systems, manufacturing capability, and process readiness; supported first article inspection (FAI) validation and compliance to program requirements.
- Performed comprehensive market and supply base analysis to identify, qualify, and develop high-performing suppliers across critical commodities; implemented sourcing strategies balancing cost, schedule, and supply chain risk.
- Drove supplier performance improvement initiatives by partnering with cross-functional teams and suppliers to reduce lead times, improve delivery reliability, and enhance product quality.
- Supported supplier-related technical and quality issue resolution by facilitating root cause and corrective action (RCCA) processes, ensuring timely containment and long-term corrective measures.
- Identified and mitigated supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies and long lead items, by developing alternate sourcing strategies and strengthening supplier capacity planning.
- Collaborated closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure supplier capability, production readiness, and delivery schedules aligned with program milestones.
- Leveraged demand and purchasing analytics to improve supply planning, optimize inventory strategies, and support suppliers in maintaining stable production flow and delivery performance.
- Mentored junior team members on supplier management best practices, procurement processes, and cross-functional coordination to improve team capability and execution efficiency.
- Contributed to process improvement initiatives by standardizing procurement and supplier management workflows, enhancing documentation, and supporting scalable supplier development practices.
- Worked cross-functionally with Supplier Engineering and Quality (SEQ) to resolve supplier non-conformances and technical issues, conducting root cause analysis, implementing corrective actions, and validating effectiveness through continuous monitoring.
Product planner and Cable Assembly & Wire Harness Category Lead
The Boeing Company
El Segundo, USA
12.2018 - 01.2025
- Managed end-to-end procurement and supplier management activities supporting government and commercial aerospace programs within Boeing Defense, Space & Security, including satellite systems, launch vehicles, and unmanned platforms.
- Supported critical programs such as Space Launch System (SLS), Starliner, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS), and platforms including F-18 Hornet and F-15 Eagle, ensuring supplier readiness aligned with program milestones and delivery schedules.
- Led development and implementation of a standardized peer review process for purchase order packages, reducing audit findings by 18% and strengthening compliance across the procurement team; served as a key reviewer and mentor for both junior and senior buyers.
- Partnered cross-functionally with Supplier Management, Engineering, and Finance teams to develop and execute sourcing and supplier development strategies, balancing cost, schedule, quality, and risk to meet program objectives.
- Negotiated and managed supplier agreements, including General Terms Agreements (GTAs) and complex contract structures (FFP, CPIF, CPAF, CPFF), ensuring alignment with program requirements and regulatory compliance.
- Utilized SAP to manage procurement execution, monitor supplier performance, and analyze trends to support continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
- Drove supplier performance by providing clear technical and contractual direction, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
- Verified supplier deliverables—including test reports, certifications, and technical documentation—to ensure compliance with specifications and contractual requirements.
- Developed and executed compliant procurement packages in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), maintaining high standards of integrity and audit readiness.
- Supported supplier qualification and development through audits, technical assessments, and reviews of space- and military-grade EEE components, collaborating with organizations such as NASA and industry working groups to ensure compliance with evolving standards.
Procurement Manager - Manufacturing
Florence Filter Corporation
Los Angeles, USA
07.2017 - 12.2018
- eveloped and implemented a just-in-time supply chain strategy, partnering with suppliers to improve delivery performance, reduce lead times, and optimize cost while maintaining high quality standards.
- Cultivated and developed supplier relationships to achieve optimal landed cost, improved responsiveness, and enhanced value-added capabilities supporting product development and production readiness.
- Led supplier negotiations for complex equipment, materials, and logistics services, aligning commercial terms with program cost, schedule, and risk objectives.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Engineering and Product Development teams to identify and qualify alternate materials and components, reducing cost and mitigating supply chain risks.
- Applied Lean Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier and internal operations levels, improving process efficiency, quality, and flow.
- Ensured supplier and procurement activities complied with domestic and international regulations, company policies, and applicable industry standards.
- Partnered with stakeholders and leadership to align supplier priorities with program needs, proactively identifying risks, adjusting plans, and escalating issues impacting delivery or quality.
- Supported ERP system enhancements and transitions to improve procurement visibility, data accuracy, and operational efficiency across supplier management processes.
Procurement and Business Development Manager
Santo Domingo Tribe
Albuquerque, USA
11.2014 - 04.2017
- romoted to Procurement Specialist to build and lead procurement operations, managing over $7.9M in assets while training and mentoring staff to support scalable supplier management processes.
- Negotiated supplier agreements across hardware, software, IT infrastructure, and technical services, aligning commercial terms with cost, performance, and long-term supplier capability.
- Developed and strengthened supplier relationships to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and enhance overall supplier performance and reliability.
- Implemented an asset management and compliance system aligned with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and state requirements, resulting in over $67K in annual savings and improved audit readiness.
- Led contract renegotiation initiatives with key suppliers, achieving over $53K in annual cost savings while maintaining service quality and delivery performance.
- Authored and implemented a procurement manual establishing standardized processes, supplier evaluation criteria, and compliance frameworks to meet federal, state, and investor requirements.
- Established supplier performance metrics and evaluation frameworks to ensure fair, transparent, and data-driven sourcing decisions.
- Oversaw end-to-end order tracking and supplier communication, ensuring visibility of supply status, shortages, and risks across 30+ departments and 300+ stakeholders.
Education
B.A. - Accounting
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-2015
Skills
- SAP S/4HANA
- Oracle Netsuite
- Manufacturo
- NWP
- Team Center
- OODO
- Material Requirement Planning (MRP)
- Contract negotiation
- Procurement policy development
- Federal and State compliance
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
- IPC/WHMA-A-620
Timeline
Senior Avionic buyer
Vast Space
01.2025 - Current
Product planner and Cable Assembly & Wire Harness Category Lead
The Boeing Company
12.2018 - 01.2025
Procurement Manager - Manufacturing
Florence Filter Corporation
07.2017 - 12.2018
Procurement and Business Development Manager
Santo Domingo Tribe
11.2014 - 04.2017
B.A. - Accounting
University of New Mexico