Senior Director of Supplier Quality

BAE Systems•Nashua, NH

6d•$200,222 - $340,378•Hybrid

About The Position

BAE Systems is seeking a high-impact senior leader to develop and oversee a high-performing, resilient supply chain, driving quality, affordability, and efficiency. The leader will bring commercial-sector sourcing knowledge into the defense environment to diversify the supplier base, improve delivery predictability, and establish rigorous supplier accountability. The role calls for building a resilient, multi-source supply chain; reducing single-source dependencies; and partnering with Engineering to identify and qualify capable suppliers earlier in the design phase. The leader will oversee supplier performance and integrate commercial accountability practices with quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This position leads a geographically diverse organization of 300 professionals and develops future leaders in quality science and Zero Defect methods. It designs and implements supply chain oversight models and strategic commodity plans, incorporating APQP/PPAP and AS9145. The leader also drives root-cause corrective action, mistake-proofing, and data-driven problem solving using Quality 4.0, IoT, and AI. The role involves close collaboration with internal organizations, regulatory agencies, and global partners, including resolving high-tension situations and building trust. The position is hybrid, with time split between onsite and remote work, and requires travel up to approximately 25% of the time. The role is based in the Nashua, New Hampshire area. A US DoD secret security clearance must be obtainable and maintained with required certifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
12 or more years of supply-chain-related experience.
Significant experience in regulated, demanding industries, with both commercial and defense/aerospace experience.
Proven experience leading large organizations of 200 or more people and managing budgets of $30 million or more.
Demonstrated mastery of quality science, strategy, and standards.
Proficiency in data analytics and implementing APQP/PPAP in a manufacturing environment of $1 billion or more.
Ability to influence audiences ranging from shop-floor technicians to C-suite executives and regulatory bodies.
Ability to obtain a US DoD secret security clearance and maintain certifications with certifying bodies.
Willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

MS and/or MBA in Engineering or a technical field.
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Auditor, or CQM/OE certification; LSS Black Belt.
15 or more years of experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality, including 5 or more years leading a significant Supplier Quality organization.
Experience with Quality 4.0 and AI-driven supply chain tools.
Active Secret or higher security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee a high-performing, resilient supply chain focused on quality, affordability, and efficiency.
Use commercial-sector vendor networks and sourcing knowledge to identify and onboard innovative suppliers and reduce reliance on legacy defense suppliers.
Build and execute a resilient, multi-source supply chain strategy, addressing low-cost-region challenges and reducing single-source dependencies.
Partner with Engineering to vet suppliers earlier in the design phase and help identify and qualify capable suppliers.
Apply supplier performance metrics and pass-through cost models to hold partners accountable for quality, delivery, and cost.
Lead a geographically diverse team of 300 professionals and develop a pipeline of leaders skilled in quality science and Zero Defect tools.
Implement supply chain oversight models and strategic commodity plans.
Integrate APQP/PPAP and AS9145 standards in a long-cycle business environment.
Drive root-cause corrective actions and mistake-proofing initiatives.
Use Quality 4.0, IoT, and AI for data-driven problem solving and value creation.
Collaborate with internal functional organizations, regulatory agencies, and global partner communities; resolve high-tension situations and build trust.
Travel up to approximately 25% of the time.