American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.
Job Summary:
This strategic leadership position is a pivotal focusing mainly on the successful delivery of the critical Next Generation Combat Vehicle/Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (NGCV/OMFV) program. This role is responsible for the identification and management of suppliers via relevant policy and procedure implementation, market analysis and supplier relationship management. It will ensure close alignment with the relevant stakeholders and the Senior VP Procurement in the parent companies.
Essential Functions:
Supplier Qualification and Certification:
- Identify and evaluate suppliers to assess their capacity to deliver parts and materials on time and according to specifications
- Evaluate and document supplier QA system to ensure that it meets specifications
- Ensure collection of all documentation required for supplier certification
- Oversee completion of Purchased Part Approval Process (PPAP), First Article Inspection (FAI) for qualified components or materials
Supplier Performance and Management:
- Develop and monitor measures of supplier performance
- Identify and follow up to address supplier issues in a timely manner ensuring timely delivery of quality components or materials
- Maintain strong supplier relationships for effective problem resolution, and early identification of issues that may impact ability to meet delivery dates
- Coordinate the resolution and reporting of quality issues with the Quality Manager
Procurement and Forecasting:
- Partner with the Production Planner/Buyer to purchase components and materials in accordance with development/prototype and production needs
- Schedule milestones for components or materials for new business and identify lead time and long lead time risks
- Communicate with suppliers to ensure clarity of expectations regarding production timing, changes to forecasts, and also to identify supplier issues in meeting contract commitments
- Develop risk management and contingency plans to ensure that ARS has components and materials for timely production
- Work closely with engineering to develop Bill of Materials and interpret technical requirements to issue vendor RFQs and evaluate proposals for technical and commercial merit.
- Communicate regulatory flow downs to vendors and follow up to confirm vendor compliance as needed
- Other Duties as assigned by supervisor
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Yes
Minimum Qualifications:
- Knowledge of and ability to use ERP system for purchasing and supply chain management
- Solid understanding of manufacturing/industrial systems/processes
- Working knowledge of Solidworks or other CAD software
- Familiarity with PDM platforms such as Teamcenter and proper configuration control protocols
- High level communication and influencing skills and the ability to lead discussions and negotiate complex commercial outcomes with a strong executive presence
- Strong project management organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a small, high-performing team that takes its responsibility for providing high-quality parts to the US military seriously
- Knowledge of the US DoD process and procedures for vehicle development and procurement.
- Knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering and vehicle principles.
- Knowledge of Military Standards and regulations.
- Knowledge in Systems Engineering and related standards/ processes
- Ability to maintain composure in dealing with executives, customers and staff, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations
- Exposure or requirement to handle sensitive information
- Ability to communicate via telephone and videoconference as well as face to face
- Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with the ARS team, suppliers, the customer, and corporate parent staff
- Strong negotiation skills
- Ability to see, speak, hear and write in order to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Business
- Minimum of ten (10) years of related purchasing or procurement experience
Background Prerequisites:
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5 years’ experience in manufacturing with responsibility for supplier qualification and management or as the supplier representative working with customers
- 10 years’ experience with engineering and supply chain management in a highly-regulated industry
- Experience in commercial project delivery within a highly regulated environment will be advantageous
- Experience with working in a multi-national, multi-organizational and corporate environment.
- Experience with capture, bid contract negotiations, and delivery planning.
- Experience with Navision
- Experience in small to midsize company or small unit within a large company
- Familiarity with the US Army TACOM / TARDEC is desirable
- Ability to speak German is desirable
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:
- Rarely: exists, but not on a regular basis
- Hazards, tasks, PPE, ergonomic concerns, travel requirements, workspace (close proximity to others)
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.