Key Supplier Management Lead

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Melbourne, FL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Key Supplier Management Lead to drive strategic supplier relationships and ensure strong supplier performance across critical categories. This role is responsible for leading supplier management efforts focused on supplier performance, risk management, cost and price strategy, and long-term agreement development and execution. The ideal candidate will combine strong commercial acumen, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional leadership to improve supply continuity, reduce risk, and deliver long-term value to the business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with 8+ years of related experience.
Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS).
Working knowledge of government contracting processes, including sole source and competitive procurements.
Experience with a range of contract types, such as FFP, CPFF, CPIF, T&M, and IDIQ, including appropriate terms and conditions for each.
Knowledge of source selection, proposal evaluation, cost analysis, and price analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with solid computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Experienced with contract manufacturing and circuit card assemblies.
Experienced supporting complex defense or government programs with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
Ability to build strong internal and external relationships while influencing decisions across functions.
Demonstrated experience managing strategic/key suppliers in a complex business environment.
Proficiency in ERP systems, supplier scorecards, and data analysis tools.
Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent.
The ideal candidate will reside within commuting distance of Melbourne, FL to support onsite collaboration and business needs as required

Responsibilities

Establish, monitor, and improve supplier KPIs, including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and service.
Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers to assess performance and drive continuous improvement.
Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective actions.
Identify, assess, and mitigate supplier-related risks, including operational, financial, geopolitical, capacity, and continuity risks.
Lead supplier price negotiations and cost management initiatives to achieve business objectives.
Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to supplier pricing and cost impacts.
Lead the development, negotiation, implementation, and ongoing management of long-term agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers.
Ensure agreements address pricing, capacity, delivery expectations, performance metrics, risk protections, and escalation mechanisms.
Collaborate with procurement, supply chain, engineering, operations, finance, quality, and legal teams to align supplier strategies with business objectives.
Support sourcing and category management initiatives where supplier relationship leadership is required.