Principal Supplier Program Manager

Saab•Cranston, RI

7d•$165,500 - $215,100

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 a program’s relationships with critical suppliers and oversees supplier deliveries that are vital to the successful and timely execution of Saab programs. It also provides leadership to a small team of SPMs assigned to Autonomous Underwater Systems (AUS). The position supports supply chain execution and supplier performance across cost, schedule, and quality. It works with internal business leaders, Saab affiliates, and external suppliers, and may assist with transition-of-transfer (ToT) efforts. The role includes preparing management reviews, tracking supplier and material metrics and forecasts, contributing to proposal inputs, and escalating supplier issues and risks. Travel between Saab’s Cranston and Bristol facilities may be needed, and domestic travel of up to 10% is required. The compensation range is $165,500–$215,100. Saab considers factors such as responsibilities, location, market and business considerations, work experience, skills, and education or training when extending an offer. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with 12 or more years of relevant experience, or an MBA, MS, or JD degree with 8 or more years of experience.
Supply chain experience in 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 procurement, 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, including 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% for 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 in aerospace and defense.
Experience with the U.S. Government or Department of Defense.
Cross-functional experience 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 responsible for supplier performance in AUS, including cost control, schedule improvement, and quality issue resolution.
Collaborate with business segment leaders to improve or standardize supply chain management processes.
Assist with ToT efforts involving the transition of supply chain execution responsibility to Saab, Inc. from a Saab affiliate.
Facilitate development of Statements of Work (SoWs) when needed for ToT programs, service vendors, or developmental hardware production.
Use advanced techniques to monitor supplier performance against Purchase Order or SoW deliverables.
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 support timely recognition of forecasted revenue commitments.
Provide weekly updates to Supply Chain leadership about program accomplishments, milestones, current actions, and risks.
Lead or participate in efforts to provide material cost and labor inputs for proposals.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews with critical suppliers, covering 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.