Principal Supplier Program Manager

Saab•Cranston, RI

About The Position

Saab, Inc. is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Principal Supplier Program Manager (SPM) to join its Supply Chain team. The role manages all aspects of program relationships with critical suppliers and oversees supplier deliveries that are vital to the success and timely execution of Saab programs. The Principal SPM also provides leadership to a small team of SPMs assigned to Autonomous Underwater Systems (AUS). The position works with internal business segment leaders, Saab affiliates, and external suppliers to improve supply chain processes and ensure supplier deliverables meet agreed schedule, scope, cost, and quality expectations. It supports transfer-of-technology efforts, supplier performance monitoring, forecasting, reporting, proposal work, and supplier business reviews. Travel between Saab's Cranston and Bristol facilities may be needed, and domestic travel of up to 10% is required in support of program and business development efforts. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance if required. Applicants may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screen. Compensation range: $165,500–$215,100. Saab states that offers may account for responsibilities, location, market and business considerations, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and education or training.

Requirements

BA/BS degree with 12 or more years of relevant experience, or MBA/MS/JD degree with 8 or more years of experience.
Supply chain experience within the aerospace or defense industry.
Demonstrated ability to lead a small team of employees.
Experience managing supplier performance against Purchase Orders, Statements of Work, or an Integrated Master Schedule.
Comprehensive understanding of the procurement process, including sourcing, qualifying suppliers, placing orders, tracking on-time deliveries, and expediting.
Experience navigating an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Experience with contracting methods and types.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply sound judgment and creativity.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Financial acumen, including the ability to determine cost reasonableness.
Ability to travel domestically up to 10% in support of program and business development efforts.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance if required.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience in a production and/or development environment, preferably within the aerospace and defense industry.
Experience with the U.S. Government or Department of Defense.
Cross-functional experience working with Quality, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, and Program Management.
Continuous improvement experience, including Black Belt or Green Belt certification.
Understanding of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
Experience interacting with programs and reporting to business leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead a small team of Supplier Program Managers managing supplier performance to control costs, improve schedules, and resolve quality challenges within AUS.
Collaborate with other business segment leaders to improve or standardize supply chain management processes.
Assist with transfer-of-technology efforts related to transitioning supply chain execution responsibility to Saab, Inc. from a Saab affiliate.
Facilitate development of Statements of Work (SoWs) for transfer-of-technology programs, service vendors, or developmental hardware production when required.
Use advanced techniques to monitor supplier performance against deliverables documented in Purchase Orders or SoWs.
Develop relationships with Saab affiliates and external suppliers to ensure deliverables meet agreed schedule, scope, and cost requirements.
Prepare and deliver quarterly internal management reviews.
Coordinate and lead weekly teleconferences reviewing purchase order status, material schedules, and anticipated deliveries.
Track, maintain, and report supplier on-time delivery, cost, and risk metrics.
Develop, track, and update material forecasts that contribute to timely recognition of forecasted revenue commitments to the business.
Provide weekly updates to Supply Chain leadership on program accomplishments, milestones, current actions, and risks.
Lead or participate in efforts to provide material cost and labor inputs for proposal work.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews with critical suppliers, covering supplier quality, cost, and delivery performance.
Manage and monitor supplier production schedules against the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
Escalate critical-path supplier issues and potential solutions to program and Supply Chain leadership.
Travel between the Cranston and Bristol facilities as needed and travel domestically up to 10% in support of program and business development efforts.