Supply Chain Director

Summary

The Supply Chain Director will be responsible for the strategic sourcing of merchandise, materials, components, equipment, and/or services, with a focus on raw materials relevant to aerospace and precision component manufacturing. This role encompasses a range of production planning activities aimed at achieving production objectives, including the management of external suppliers to meet targets for price, delivery, and quality, including terms and conditions. A key aspect of this position is the ability to work collaboratively with various functional groups, including Production, Planning, Estimating, Sales, Engineering, and Quality Assurance, to ensure the aligned attainment of business goals. The Supply Chain Director will serve as the primary point of contact for communication and negotiations with suppliers. Responsibilities include ensuring delivery/quality commitments are met, sourcing and qualifying new suppliers as needed, resolving shipment/invoice discrepancies, executing procurements per assigned purchase requisitions, issuing purchase orders, and expediting to meet production requirements. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong background in raw materials procurement, contracts experience, and a proven track record as a hands-on manager and team player.

Essential Functions

• Reviews, negotiates, and administers purchase contracts; analyzes and evaluates bids to determine optimum value; selects suppliers, issues purchase orders, follows up, and expedites as necessary; evaluates supplier reliability and performance, with a focus on long-term partnerships.
• Provides recommendations for new supply sources, particularly those specializing in aerospace-grade materials, where opportunities exist for cost savings or when current supplier performance is inadequate.
• Collaborates closely with manufacturing and engineering departments to coordinate purchasing activities and maintain inventory levels, including raw materials, at planned levels to support production requirements.
• Ensures timely part delivery to support operations and proactively escalates any potential delivery issues that may impact production schedules.
• Coordinates activities with Shipping and Receiving departments to optimize the utilization of facilities and ensure alignment with production schedules.
• Hands-on management of an assigned group of suppliers, including the initiation and timely release of purchase orders for production materials and components.
• Analyzes current orders, historical data, and other relevant records to determine the most suitable sources, with a focus on strategic sourcing and long-term supply chain planning for aerospace materials.
• Maintains an adequate supply of assigned commodities to support uninterrupted production.
• Monitors and evaluates supplier performance, including metrics related to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Represents the Company on specific projects, including those related to supply chain optimization, cost reduction, and new product development initiatives.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed, demonstrating a collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Participates in cross-functional or project team responsibilities, such as continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and supply chain enhancements.
• Maintains accurate lead times for assigned commodities, to facilitate effective production planning.
• Proactively advises appropriate personnel of any impending supplier failures to fulfill contractual agreements that may potentially disrupt production or delivery schedules.
• Efficiently resolves shipment quality discrepancies by effectively mediating between suppliers and manufacturing, ensuring that quality standards are upheld.
• Selects suppliers for a variety of moderately complex or technical materials, supplies, and services, and effectively negotiates price, delivery, quality, and service terms, with a focus on building strong, long-term relationships.
• Travels as required to visit suppliers, attend industry events, or participate in other business-related activities.
• Develops and implements strategic procurement plans that are aligned with overall company objectives and support the long-term growth and success of the manufacturing operations.
• Manages and maintains supplier relationships, including performance evaluations, quality conformance reviews, contract management, and the development of strategic partnerships.
• Conducts market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, potential opportunities, and risks within the aerospace supply chain, including fluctuations in raw material availability and pricing.
• Ensures that all procurement activities comply with relevant industry regulations and standards, including those specific to aerospace manufacturing (e.g., AS9100) and raw material sourcing, including all conformance documentation.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved oral or written instructions.
• Proficiency in using MRP / ERP systems for procurement and inventory management.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and accurately identify material callouts, including aerospace-specific materials.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Bill of Materials (BOM) structure and its application in the manufacturing process.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in a manufacturing environment, with a strong preference for experience within the aerospace industry.
• Basic knowledge of metal machining processes and related technologies, particularly as they apply to aerospace component manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to function effectively as a team player.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively multitask and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts and effectively manage supplier relationships, including experience with long-term agreements.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant computer skills, including the ability to work with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting functions.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within an aerospace machine shop or related setting.
• Strong background in raw materials procurement and management, with experience in sourcing materials used in aerospace applications.
• Proven strategic planning and thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective procurement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience as a hands-on manager, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of procurement professionals.
• Extensive experience in contract management and negotiation, including the ability to develop and administer complex agreements with suppliers.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry-specific quality standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100).

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university and a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of formal education, on-the-job training, and/or work and life experience.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of FAR/DFAR clauses and provision.
• Forging Experience strongly preferred.