Supply Chain Manager – Defense Programs

Supply Chain Manager – Defense ProgramsLocation: Franklin, MA or Lorton, VASalary Range: $130,000–$160,000 annuallyTravel: Occasional domestic and international travel may be requiredJob Type: Direct Hire, HybridPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced, results-driven Supply Chain Manager with strong leadership presence to lead and oversee supply chain operations supporting complex defense programs. This position requires strategic planning capabilities and hands-on expertise in procurement, subcontract management, material planning, supplier performance, logistics, and government contracting compliance.The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of materials, equipment, fabricated assemblies, and build-to-print hardware. The successful candidate will have direct experience supporting Department of Defense programs and managing supply chains for complex hardware through development, low-rate initial production, and full-rate production.Key ResponsibilitiesSupply Chain Leadership and StrategyLead, plan, and manage supply chain and procurement operations supporting complex defense systems, equipment, and components.Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with program requirements, organizational objectives, delivery schedules, and cost targets.Lead, mentor, and develop buyers, subcontract administrators, and other supply chain personnel.Establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching, feedback, and professional development.Demonstrate strong executive presence and effectively communicate supply chain risks, priorities, and recommendations to senior leadership.Program Material Planning and ExecutionOwn the material plan for assigned programs by translating the integrated master schedule and MRP requirements into phased procurement plans.Ensure long-lead materials are identified and initiated sufficiently in advance of program need dates.Drive supplier performance against program schedules through expediting, schedule pull-ins, recovery planning, and resolution of constraints affecting critical-path hardware.Support direct and production materials, including build-to-print hardware, fabricated assemblies, machined components, and other long-lead items.Manage engineering changes throughout the supply base by evaluating cost and schedule impacts and sequencing supplier direction to protect work in process.Partner with Quality to resolve nonconforming material issues and ensure timely closure of supplier corrective actions.Procurement and Subcontract ManagementOversee sourcing, purchasing, and subcontracting activities supporting defense production programs and customer delivery commitments.Lead the performance management of major subcontractors, including production readiness, delivery commitments, risk mitigation, and corrective-action closure based on verified root cause.Review RFPs and identify procurement risks, opportunities, compliance requirements, and sourcing strategies.Advise program teams and leadership on procurement and subcontracting strategies supporting proposals and program execution.Develop qualified supplier lists and support requests for information, quotations, proposals, and invitations to bid.Evaluate and interview prospective suppliers based on technical capability, capacity, quality, cost, schedule, and compliance.Negotiate pricing, terms, conditions, and delivery commitments to minimize risk and achieve favorable business outcomes.Build productive supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, responsiveness, and advantageous commercial terms.Monitor supplier performance and compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle.Work closely with program teams to track procurement schedules, milestones, risks, and deadlines.Government Contracting Compliance and GovernanceEnsure procurement and subcontracting activities comply with FAR, DFARS, applicable contract requirements, company policies, and internal procedures.Implement and maintain Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) procedures.Ensure procurement and subcontract files are complete, accurate, audit-ready, and documented in accordance with company requirements.Prepare and review price analyses, including the collection and evaluation of supporting documentation.Oversee required documentation, approvals, reporting, and record retention throughout the supply chain lifecycle.Support internal audits, government reviews, and CPSR preparation and response activities.Maintain awareness of applicable ITAR and EAR requirements.Supplier and Stakeholder ManagementManage relationships with suppliers, major subcontractors, program teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure adherence to cost, quality, technical, and schedule requirements.Lead the resolution of supplier issues and negotiate solutions that minimize program risk and operational disruption.Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, Contracts, and Logistics to ensure integrated supply chain execution.Communicate supplier constraints and material risks early, along with clear recovery plans and recommended actions.Risk ManagementIdentify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks that could affect cost, quality, schedule, or program performance.Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies to support continuity of operations.Monitor supplier capacity, financial stability, quality performance, lead times, and other indicators of potential disruption.Escalate critical risks promptly and drive cross-functional resolution.Performance Reporting and Continuous ImprovementEstablish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools to measure supplier delivery, procurement performance, material availability, cost, quality, and risk.Provide leadership with actionable insights, forecasts, and recommendations.Lead process-improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve supplier performance, and strengthen supply chain resilience.Champion automation, standardization, data accuracy, and supply chain best practices.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.At least 9 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, subcontract management, material planning, or logistics.Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense, aerospace, government, or complex hardware manufacturing programs.Direct experience owning production-material requirements for a DoD program of record, including build-to-print hardware, fabricated assemblies, machined components, and long-lead materials.Demonstrated people-management experience, including direct reports, performance management, coaching, and development of buyers or subcontract administrators.Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CPSR requirements, and U.S. government contracting compliance.Experience participating in or supporting a Contractor Purchasing System Review.Ability to prepare a compliant price analysis and obtain the documentation necessary to support the analysis.Demonstrated success improving supplier on-time delivery within a schedule-constrained hardware program.Experience managing a major subcontractor through production readiness, delivery commitments, performance recovery, and corrective-action closure.Working proficiency with MRP and ERP systems in a project-based manufacturing environment.Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and supply chain reporting or analytics tools.Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting defense, aerospace, naval, or other complex hardware programs transitioning from development or low-rate initial production into full-rate production.Working knowledge of Deltek Costpoint or a comparable project-based ERP platform.Experience with supply chain optimization, dashboards, analytics, and reporting tools.Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM.Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related discipline.U.S. person status as defined by applicable export-control regulations.Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.Working knowledge of ITAR and EAR regulations.Additional Location ConsiderationCandidates located outside Franklin, MA or Lorton, VA may be considered if they possess exceptional defense supply chain experience and are willing and able to travel regularly.