Director, Supply Chain Management Programs

Director, Supply Chain Management Programs

Our client is seeking a Director of Supply Chain Management Programs to lead strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, and supply chain operations within a highly regulated defense manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect procurement, supplier performance, material planning, and supply chain execution supporting complex defense-related programs.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in supply chain leadership within defense, along with demonstrated success leading procurement organizations in complex operational environments. This role requires a strategic leader capable of driving operational excellence, supplier performance, cost optimization, and program execution while partnering closely with engineering, operations, finance, quality, and program management teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all supply chain, sourcing, and procurement activities supporting production operations, strategic initiatives, and new program execution.
• Develop and implement sourcing and purchasing strategies aligned with operational goals, program requirements, and financial objectives.
• Oversee supplier selection, qualification, development, and performance management to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships while negotiating pricing, contracts, and service agreements.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, program management, finance, and quality teams to support production continuity and program success.
• Support engineering changes, product transitions, and new product launches to ensure uninterrupted material flow and operational readiness.
• Monitor inventory strategies, logistics planning, and material flow to optimize efficiency and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Identify and implement cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain organization.
• Develop and track KPIs and performance metrics to drive accountability, operational efficiency, and supplier performance improvements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supply chain and purchasing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate with finance and executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and long-range operational planning.
• Ensure compliance with applicable defense industry regulations, contractual obligations, and procurement best practices.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain, procurement, or sourcing leadership experience within the defense industry is required.
• Proven experience operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments supporting defense-related programs.
• Strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement operations, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience collaborating across engineering, operations, finance, quality, and program management organizations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with ERP platforms such as SAP or similar enterprise systems.
• Strong understanding of defense industry compliance, supplier requirements, and operational execution within complex manufacturing organizations.
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic leadership and hands-on execution capacities.

Compensation is $160-185k DOE