Full-Time
Job Not Found
Darley
51-200 employees
Manufactures firefighting and defense equipment
No salary listed
Elk Grove Village, IL, USA
In Person
 Operations & Logistics (1) |
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- Maintain relationships with existing suppliers.
- Conduct periodic supplier syncs in order to maintain relationships.
- Provide updates of our contracts, personnel and other company news.
- Maintain understanding of DOR programs. Advise/educate on DOR programs.
- Update teaming agreements where needed.
- Act as the main POC for select suppliers of Darley.
- Conduct site visits with key suppliers as needed.
- Interface with suppliers at industry trade shows and conventions as needed.
- Maximize margin potential by negotiating favorable terms and discounts.
- Understand and manage supplier’s performance relating to contract compliance, quality, delivery, and other factors that determine Darley’s success as a government contractor.
- Onboard, assess initial risk and relationship category for new suppliers currently working with sales and BD.
- Effectively communicate the details of Darley supplier relationships.
- Maintain current supplier profiles and records.
- Manage supplier account page information to include: POC’s, DOR forms, meeting notes, pricing, product spec sheets.
- Advise sales team on best use suppliers.
- Coordinate sales training, joint sales calls, and lead sharing with Darley sales team and suppliers as needed.
- Participate in cross functional team initiatives (Marketing, Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Operations).
- Team up with sales/BD on supplier calls in order to build relationships and secure business.
- Assist with the production of marketing brochures and other collateral.
- Provide input for supplier promotions on social media.
- Assist Purchasing with supplier relationship/order issues as needed.
- Test and embrace new IT systems.
- Generate and analyze monthly data reports that illustrate suppliers’ positions within the Defense and Darley landscape; provide frequent communication of data and analysis to other team members.
- Work with Category Managers by Looking for opportunities to elevate supplier statuses to strategic.
- Represent the company well by demonstrating core values and communicating key benefits of working with Darley.
Darley manufactures and distributes equipment for firefighting and defense, including fire trucks, fire pumps, PPE, and other firefighting tools, and provides tactical and robotic gear to the U.S. Department of Defense. Its products work by supplying water and pressure through fire pumps and apparatus, protecting responders with PPE, and supporting military and emergency operations with robotics and tactical gear. The company differentiates itself through a long family history dating back to 1908, private ownership, financial stability, and long-standing relationships, along with in-house manufacturing in Wisconsin and Iowa and direct/global distribution to municipal, emergency, and defense clients. The goal is to deliver reliable, durable equipment and dependable support to first responders and defense customers while maintaining steady growth through established partnerships.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Itasca, Illinois
Founded
1908
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- New defense platform improves procurement discovery for government buyers.
- Unmanned systems and immersive training expand beyond core pump businesses.
- Jim Johnson on the Fire Advisory Board strengthens credibility with fire apparatus customers.
What critics are saying
- Pierce Manufacturing remains a formidable apparatus competitor with deeper OEM relationships.
- Digital defense rollout fails if procurement workflows stay clunky or incomplete.
- Succession change after Paul Darley's 30-year tenure can slow customer decisions.
What makes Darley unique
- Family-owned since 1908 with deep fire-service and defense relationships.
- Combines fire apparatus, pumps, PPE, unmanned systems, and training technology.
- Lee Wise became first non-family President in 118 years on January 1, 2026.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Tuition Reimbursement
Company News
Darley Defense launches new online defense platform. February 11, 2026 Share to: Darley Defense, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, announced the launch of its new online defense platform at darley.com/defense. This modernized online platform is built to better serve the company's customers and partners, delivering a unified user experience that streamlines navigation, accelerates content sourcing, and simplifies access to procurement information. The updated site clearly highlights Darley's innovative capabilities and longstanding legacy of service. By integrating intuitive design and improved functionality, the new Darley Defense page ensures that visitors can quickly find the resources they need while exploring solutions that support mission success. "Darley has a long legacy of supporting those who protect and serve, and this launch marks a major step forward in how we connect our defense community to mission critical solutions," said Audrey Darley, Vice President of Defense Supply Chain. "By integrating modern technology with decades of expertise, we're providing a streamlined, intuitive experience that helps our customers move their missions forward." Darley provides high quality pump, technology, and equipment solutions for first responders around the world. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a complete line of unmanned systems, immersive training technology, equipment and pumps. Learn more at www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.
Lee Wise named President of W.S. Darley & Co. W.S. Darley & Co., a provider of firefighting, emergency, and defense equipment, has announced a decade-long succession plan with the appointment of Lee Wise as its new President effective January 1, 2026. Lee Wise succeeds Paul C. Darley, who has served in the role for 30 years. Lee will continue to report to Paul in his on-going roles as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, guiding the company's strategic vision and long-term growth. Lee currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Darley. His promotion to President marks a milestone in the company's storied history, as the first non-family member to assume this role in 118 years. Recognized for his industry experience at Rockwell-Collins and Brunswick and steadfast alignment with the company's core values, Lee has earned the support of the Darley Board, management team, and the entire family. "I am honored to step into the role of President at Darley, and deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by our Board of Directors, shareholders, and colleagues. Their confidence inspires me, and I am committed to honoring our values and driving meaningful progress together," comments Lee. As President, Lee will oversee daily operations, drive innovation, and continue to strengthen relationships with customers, partners, and employees. His appointment ensures that Darley remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering excellence and reliability to those who depend on its products and services. Lee resides in Lincolnshire, IL with his wife, Nicole, and their three children.
Darley named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago.
Darley launches new uncrewed systems hub.
Darley, a major provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce it has been named one of Crain's 2025 Fast 50 by Crain's Chicago Business.