Senior Manager, Supply Chain

About BlueForge Alliance (BFA):

BlueForge Alliance is an agile program integrator positioned to meet the demand to build capacity for the defense industrial base. We are a unifying organization converging technology, manufacturing, economics, and state and federal government to provide a forward-facing, federated umbrella with national visibility.

As a non-profit, neutral convener, BlueForge Alliance aligns strategy with execution to coordinate regional stakeholders, assess and propose high-value efforts, and rapidly establish and deploy U.S. Department of Defense investments. By streamlining competing priorities and viewpoints, we aim to increase manufacturing capacity and technology adoption, boost the number of available suppliers and diversify investment into the defense industrial base.

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager, Supply Chain leads a team dedicated to optimizing and strengthening the organization’s supply chain operations. This role is responsible for developing and managing key supplier relationships, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and government contracting requirements. The Senior Manager oversees procurement, project management, and quality assurance efforts to enhance supplier performance, build capacity, and drive process improvements. By mitigating risks and implementing strategic initiatives, this position ensures operational excellence and the long-term success of the supply chain. In addition to the following details, by being a BlueForger, you will be expected to uphold and exemplify our values of Belonging, Selfless Service, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Excellence. We uphold these values upon a backbone of humility driven by a culture of safety, vulnerability, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supplier Performance Management:
  • Assess and monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track supplier performance and compliance with contract terms and defense industry standards.
• Supplier Development and Capacity Building:
  • Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the capabilities and capacity of existing suppliers, including training, process improvements, and resource planning.
  • Work with suppliers to enhance their technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and quality systems to meet the organization's evolving needs.
  • Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and government regulations, including FAR/DFARS compliance.
• Supply Chain Optimization:
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers that meet the organization’s requirements for quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, with a focus on building a robust and diverse supply base.
  • Work cross-functionally to ensure supplier readiness for new projects, capacity expansion, and critical programs.
  • Work with internal teams (e.g., procurement, engineering, project management) to align supplier capabilities with project specifications and schedules, ensuring smooth execution and delivery of contracts.
• Risk Mitigation and Compliance:
  • Identify supply chain risks and work with suppliers to develop mitigation strategies, ensuring continuity of supply for critical programs.
  • Ensure that suppliers comply with federal regulations, including FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other defense-specific standards, as well as non-profit organizational policies.
  • Implement and enforce supplier quality assurance programs, ensuring compliance with defense industry requirements, including ISO standards and other applicable certifications.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Foster strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for supplier-related issues, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
  • Work closely with suppliers to address and resolve performance issues, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and risks are mitigated.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within the supply chain, driving innovation in supplier processes and technologies.
  • Stay informed about industry trends, technologies, and best practices to enhance supplier development strategies and supply chain resilience.
  • Promote and implement sustainable sourcing practices that align with the organization’s mission and environmental objectives.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  • Partner with internal teams, including procurement, project management, quality assurance, and engineering, to ensure supplier capabilities align with project requirements.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the supply chain and procurement teams, sharing expertise in supplier development and performance management.
  • Support the organization’s business development efforts by ensuring that suppliers can meet the requirements of new contracts and proposals
  • Develops and supports budgetary assessments, internal financial metrics, and associated performance to corporate plans
  • Works with peer leaders on organizational requirements

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages, develops and trains staff.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations.