Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager

LHH is actively seeking a Supply Chain Manager for one of our top clients in Irvine! This will be a long term contract opportunity with our client and will report onsite to their office in Irvine.

Position Summary

The Supplier Performance Manager (SPM) plays a critical role in driving supplier excellence and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives across key supplier categories. This position is responsible for developing strong supplier partnerships, monitoring supplier performance, and leading continuous improvement efforts that enhance quality, delivery, cost efficiency, innovation, and overall supply chain performance.

The SPM collaborates with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers to identify and implement process improvements, leverage new technologies and capabilities, standardize best practices, and maximize total value. This role also serves as a key escalation point for supplier performance concerns and ensures suppliers consistently meet established performance expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure optimal service, quality, and financial performance.
• Monitor supplier performance through established metrics and KPIs, including on-time delivery, lead time reduction, quality improvements, and total cost of ownership.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and performance assessments to identify opportunities for improvement and value creation.
• Recommend, initiate, and oversee corrective action plans when supplier performance falls below expectations.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Development

• Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, cost optimization, quality enhancement, and supply chain efficiency.
• Partner with suppliers to develop and execute continuous improvement plans through Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), supplier visits, and collaborative workshops.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, new technologies, process enhancements, and design standardization.
• Benchmark industry best practices and share insights with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate supplier management activities with procurement, operations, engineering, quality, and other cross-functional teams.
• Support the integration of supplier development programs and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve supplier-related issues and achieve business objectives.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to support strategic supply chain initiatives and financial goals.

Problem Solving & Risk Management

• Support root cause analysis activities and the development of corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA).
• Identify supplier risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Effectively manage complex situations, competing priorities, and stakeholder expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a minimum of six (6) years of relevant supplier management, procurement, or supply chain experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working directly with suppliers in purchasing, procurement, supplier development, or supply chain management roles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong supplier relationship management and performance management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and projects.
• Knowledge of supply chain processes, procurement practices, and supplier development methodologies.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools; Green Belt certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage conflict and build consensus across diverse teams and organizations.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Leadership Competencies

• Change leadership and continuous improvement mindset.
• Integrity and professionalism.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Effective collaboration and relationship building.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel required, including occasional travel to Irvine, California and other supplier or company locations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and copiers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to observe and assess information at close range.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based work environment.
• Typical office setting with a generally quiet noise level.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Experience in the aerospace industry is a plus but not required.