Director, Supply Chain Management Programs
Our client is seeking a Director of Supply Chain Management Programs to lead strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, and supply chain operations within a highly regulated defense manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect procurement, supplier performance, material planning, and supply chain execution supporting complex defense-related programs.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in supply chain leadership within defense, along with demonstrated success leading procurement organizations in complex operational environments. This role requires a strategic leader capable of driving operational excellence, supplier performance, cost optimization, and program execution while partnering closely with engineering, operations, finance, quality, and program management teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all supply chain, sourcing, and procurement activities supporting production operations, strategic initiatives, and new program execution.
- Develop and implement sourcing and purchasing strategies aligned with operational goals, program requirements, and financial objectives.
- Oversee supplier selection, qualification, development, and performance management to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, cost, and regulatory requirements.
- Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships while negotiating pricing, contracts, and service agreements.
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, program management, finance, and quality teams to support production continuity and program success.
- Support engineering changes, product transitions, and new product launches to ensure uninterrupted material flow and operational readiness.
- Monitor inventory strategies, logistics planning, and material flow to optimize efficiency and mitigate supply chain risk.
- Identify and implement cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain organization.
- Develop and track KPIs and performance metrics to drive accountability, operational efficiency, and supplier performance improvements.
- Lead, mentor, and develop supply chain and purchasing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Collaborate with finance and executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and long-range operational planning.
- Ensure compliance with applicable defense industry regulations, contractual obligations, and procurement best practices.
- Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive supply chain, procurement, or sourcing leadership experience within the defense industry is required.
- Proven experience operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments supporting defense-related programs.
- Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement operations, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Experience collaborating across engineering, operations, finance, quality, and program management organizations.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience with ERP platforms such as SAP or similar enterprise systems.
- Strong understanding of defense industry compliance, supplier requirements, and operational execution within complex manufacturing organizations.
- Ability to operate effectively in both strategic leadership and hands-on execution capacities.
Compensation is $160-185k DOE