Director, Supply Chain - Purchasing

Category (For Job Seekers)Materials/Planning/Procurement/SCMLocationH4381 - 438 SCI Plant 2 - Huntsville, AL 35803 US (Primary)Job DescriptionAt SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments – Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It’s SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for the following position in Huntsville, AL. Please note that due to Department of Defense contract requirements, U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.Director of Supply Chain - PurchasingJob PurposeThe Director of Supply Chain Purchasing is responsible for leading, designing, and executing the procurement and operational sourcing strategy across the division’s manufacturing and service sites. This role owns supplier relationship management, material cost-out initiatives (PPV), and supplier contract negotiations to maximize profitability and operational continuity.The ideal candidate will effectively bridge the gap between corporate global sourcing frameworks and localized site execution, ensuring that component availability meets production timelines at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while proactively mitigating electronic component supply-chain risks.Nature of Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization Procurement Strategy: Establish and execute a comprehensive divisional purchasing strategy that aligns with corporate guidelines to drive cost optimization and supply resilience. Material Cost Reduction (PPV): Drive aggressive cost-reduction programs, identifying opportunities for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) gains, material substitutions, and volume bundling. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Evaluate and negotiate regional and local supplier contracts, including payment terms, lead times, buffer stocks, and pricing models to improve cash flow and reduce working capital.Supplier Relationship & Risk Management Supplier Governance: Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and scorecards for strategic vendors, tracking delivery performance, component quality, and continuous improvement metrics. Supply Continuity & Risk Mitigation: Monitor global electronic component market conditions, technology allocations, and lead-time trends. Formulate proactive risk- mitigation plans for single-source or critical components. Strategic Alliances: In collaboration with corporate sourcing, implement and manage advanced inventory programs such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), consignment, and hubbing structures.Operational Purchasing & Execution MRP Alignment: Oversee the tactical execution of buy signals generated by Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, ensuring data integrity around lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and pricing. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with New Product Introduction (NPI), Planning, Engineering, and Quality teams to smoothly onboard new programs, transition components, and resolve supplier-quality issues (SCARs). Escalation Management: Serve as the final divisional escalation point for critical material shortages, leveraging executive supplier relationships to expedite component delivery and prevent factory downtime.Team Leadership & Process Optimization Talent Development: Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of Purchasing Managers, Procurement Specialists, and Strategic Buyers across divisional sites. Process Standardization: Standardize and automate purchasing workflows (e.g., electronic data interchange/EDI systems, automated PO workflows) to drive operational efficiency and strict compliance with corporate governance.Education & Experience RequirementsEducation & Certifications Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement/Purchasing, Business Administration, or an Engineering/Technical discipline. Preferred: MBA or advanced degree; ASCM/APICS certifications (CSCP, CPIM) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) are highly valued.Experience EMS Industry Expertise: 8+ years of progressive electronics procurement or purchasing experience specifically within the EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services), Contract Manufacturing, or high-tech ODM sectors. Leadership Track Record: 3+ years of experience leading multi-site procurement or sourcing teams in a matrixed organization. Component Market Knowledge: Deep, specialized familiarity with the global electronic component market ecosystem (semiconductors, passives, PCBs, custom plastics/metals) and franchised distribution channels.Skills & Competencies Advanced Negotiation: Proven track record of high-stakes contract negotiations and commercial settlements with Tier-1 component manufacturers and distributors. ERP/MRP Fluency: Expert-level understanding of material planning and purchasing workflows within major ERP architectures (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Financial Acumen: Strong proficiency in P&L structures, cost accounting, spend analytics, and cost modeling (should-cost analysis). Agility & Impact: Highly analytical problem-solver who thrives under a high sense of urgency, capable of maintaining composure and driving rapid results during supply-chain crises.Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.This is an ITAR facility and applicants must be a US Citizen.