Senior Manager, Supplier Development

Our client is dedicated to providing the highest quality of services to our clients and employees. We are proud to be the primary partner to top companies in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. As a result of our continued growth, we are looking for energetic and personable professionals to join our team.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Supplier Development is responsible for leading supplier development and performance improvement initiatives across our client's supplier network. This position develops and executes strategies to improve supplier quality, delivery, capacity, cost, and overall performance while ensuring suppliers meet customer, contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements. The role partners closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to identify supplier risks and drive sustainable corrective actions, and provides leadership and direction to Supplier Development and Supplier Quality personnel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage supplier development activities across a diverse domestic and international supplier base.
• Develop and implement supplier performance improvement strategies aligned with organizational and customer requirements.
• Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery, capacity, responsiveness, and cost.
• Identify supplier risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect program schedules and customer commitments.
• Lead supplier improvement initiatives, including recovery plans, corrective actions, and capacity enhancement efforts.
• Partner with suppliers to identify root causes of performance issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Conduct and/or support supplier assessments, capability reviews, process audits, and on-site supplier visits.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, capacity, and overall ability to meet program requirements.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain on supplier selection, qualification, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Work closely with Quality and Engineering to resolve technical, quality, and production issues affecting supplier performance.
• Review supplier performance data and provide regular reporting, analysis, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support new product introduction and program launch activities by ensuring suppliers are prepared to meet production requirements.
• Develop strong relationships with key strategic suppliers, serving as a senior point of contact for supplier performance matters.
• Promote continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence throughout the supplier network.
• Mentor, develop, and provide leadership to Supplier Development and Supplier Quality team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, supply chain, manufacturing, procurement, or a related field.
• 3+ years of management or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain operations.
• Experience analyzing supplier performance and developing effective corrective action and improvement plans.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Program Management.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required; estimated at 30%, client dependent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) or other government contracting requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other applicable quality management systems.
• Experience with 8D, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and other structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated experience applying Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, CQE, or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, supplier management, or supply chain management systems.
• Experience managing complex or high-risk supplier recovery initiatives.

Compensation: $120,000-$150,000 depending on experience.