Supply Chain Specialist - Strategic Vendors

Salary Range: 120000 to 170000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own and manage the Company’s most critical vendor relationships, acting as the primary point of contact and single accountable owner for strategic suppliers
• Own the vendor process end-to-end- sourcing, evaluation, selection, negotiation, onboarding, delivery, and post-delivery performance management
• Lead strategic sourcing activities, including RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, supplier capability assessments, and second-source evaluations
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and long-term agreements with strategic suppliers, in partnership with Legal and Finance
• Travel to vendor sites to conduct capability assessments, quarterly business reviews, and on-site issue resolution
• Monitor and manage supplier performance against quality, cost, and on-time delivery targets, including scorecards, business reviews, and corrective action follow-through
• Manage delivery schedules and purchase order execution for owned suppliers, proactively expediting and resolving shortages, delays, and escalations
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to align supplier capabilities with technical requirements, drawings, and specifications
• Identify and mitigate supply risks, including single-source dependencies, capacity constraints, and long-lead material exposure
• Ensure suppliers meet applicable compliance requirements, including ITAR/EAR export control and quality system expectations
• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and purchase order data in the ERP system
• Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives across the supply base as the Company scales

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier/vendor management, with direct ownership of strategic supplier relationships

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

Demonstrated experience owning supplier relationships end to end, from sourcing and selection through delivery and ongoing performance management
Strong negotiation skills, with experience negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, and supplier agreements
Experience managing supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, and corrective actions
Experience working in ERP and procurement systems and analyzing supplier, cost, and delivery data to drive decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to domestic vendor sites

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

Experience within aerospace & defense or another complex, highly regulated manufacturing environment
Experience sourcing complex hardware such as machined components, electronics, or aerospace-grade materials
Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control requirements and FAR/DFARS flow-downs
Experience building or improving sourcing and procurement processes in a fast-growing company
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, or other relevant supply chain certification is a plus

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and via telepresence
Ability to pick up to 50lbs
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment