Outsourcing Manager

Ascent Aerospace•Macomb, MI

About The Position

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight! Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base. Summary of Position The Outsourcing Manager is responsible for vendor/supplier qualification, quality, and performance management, order management activities, and maintaining overall vendor/supplier relationships.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in supplier/vendor management, supplier vendor qualification, or purchasing environment
5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment –knowledge of practices including made to order fabrication, welding, machining, bonding, fastening a plus
Demonstrated experience dealing directly with suppliers from a quality, purchasing, and/or development perspective
High school diploma or equivalent required
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. § is required

Nice To Haves

Associates or higher degree a plus
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Blueprint and GD&T interpretation, Bill of Material (BOM) understanding
Strong interpersonal skills
Effective speaking and listening skills
Technical, analytical, and problem-solving mindset
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Ethical conduct with a high regard for confidential information
Proficient with computers, SAP software, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
Organized with a keen attention to detail

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate and onboard new vendors and suppliers.
Review vendor/supplier capabilities and conduct capacity planning as needed
Request quotes and negotiate terms for outsourced goods and services
Plan and monitor outsourced activities within the given project timeline in close collaboration with the internal project teams and the vendors/suppliers
Directly communicate status updates, action plans, and recovery strategies with program, planning, and operations teams
Represent the organization in meetings with internal and external stakeholders to manage specific projects
Manage approved vendor/supplier lists and corresponding files
Monitor and report supplier/vendor quality and delivery performance metrics and improvement goals
Partner with Quality Assurance to complete vendor/supplier audits, problem-solving activities, and corrective actions as needed
Initiate and negotiate cost-saving measures, leveraging innovative strategies to enhance value and optimize the organization's financial performance
Develop and implement strategies for on-time delivery (OTD) execution, material cost reduction, lead time improvements, supplier rationalization, and working capital optimization
Prevent production material shortages by proactively identifying and expediting necessary items