Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead and optimize the end-to-end supply chain function within a highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for supplier performance, strategic sourcing, commodity management, materials planning, S&OP, inventory, cost reduction, and supply continuity. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure materials and components are available when needed while meeting quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
This is not simply a purchasing or materials-planning position. We are looking for someone who has managed suppliers and commodities, understands manufacturing operations, and can drive measurable improvements throughout the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Supply Chain team, providing strategic direction and day-to-day leadership.
- Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with business and operational objectives.
- Own and improve S&OP processes, demand/supply planning, inventory strategy, and material availability.
- Lead supplier development and supplier performance improvement, including delivery, quality, capacity, and cost.
- Manage strategic commodities and key supplier relationships, including sourcing, negotiations, and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Identify and mitigate supplier and material risks to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Program Management, and Finance on new product introductions, production requirements, and business initiatives.
- Analyze supply chain data and establish metrics to improve supplier performance, inventory turns, lead times, and overall supply chain efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives throughout the supply chain organization.
- Support strategic planning from order backlog through production and final customer delivery.
- Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are specifically seeking candidates with a combination of:
- 5+ years of progressive supply chain experience, preferably including leadership responsibility.
- Experience in manufacturing, with aerospace, defense, electronics, PCB/circuit board, electromechanical assembly, or a similar complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Proven experience with strategic supplier management and supplier development.
- Experience managing strategic commodities, sourcing strategies, negotiations, and cost-reduction programs.
- Strong S&OP / supply and demand planning experience.
- Experience working within an ERP/MRP environment.
- Demonstrated ability to improve supplier quality, delivery, capacity, cost, and overall performance.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Finance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
- Experience leading teams and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
Particularly Strong Backgrounds
Candidates coming from the following environments are encouraged to apply:
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing | Electronics Manufacturing | PCB/Circuit Board Manufacturing | Electromechanical Assembly | Contract Manufacturing | Complex Industrial Manufacturing
Experience with A-box builds / systems integration, ITAR-regulated environments, or highly engineered products is a strong plus.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field required.
- MBA is a plus.
- APICS, ASCM, ISM, CPSM, CPM, or related certification preferred.
- Lean / Continuous Improvement experience is a plus.
Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident required.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- $110,000–$160,000 base salary, depending on experience
- Up to 10% annual bonus opportunity
- Stock options
- 3 weeks paid vacation
- Relocation assistance up to $10,000, depending on location
- Excellent long-term growth and advancement opportunities
- Strong company culture recognized by Newsweek as one of the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces