Supplier Development Lead

RTX•Windsor Locks, CT

1d•$107,500 - $204,500•Remote

About The Position

The Supplier Development Lead (SDL) is a critical forward deployed role within the Global Supplier Development organization, responsible for driving supplier recovery, capability improvement, and sustainable performance. This role is hands-on and cross-functional, supporting operational containment, supplier assessments, and execution of structured improvement plans across global commodities. The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and strategic, capable of managing crisis situations and long-term development actions that align with business unit goals and enterprise-wide initiatives. This is a remote role; however, the candidate must be able to travel at least 50% of the time to support supplier development needs.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed - minimum of 50% of time
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience leading supplier recovery efforts and supplier transitions
Ability to conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for critical quality or delivery issues
Project management experience
Background in operations/manufacturing, engineering, quality, or supply chain with supplier-facing work
Experience working with engineered items (castings, plastics, machining, mechanical fabrication, forgings, electrics)
Ability to apply lean principles/tools for continuous improvement and process management
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
Experience with and creation of LOB (Line of Balance), WIP (Work in Progress) trackers, Clear to Build, Inch stone charts
Demonstrated executive presence with the ability to effectively present to customers, engage with VP‑level leadership, and collaborate directly with CEOs and Presidents at key suppliers.
High energy, strong communication skills, and ability to build cross-functional relationships across Collins Aerospace
Strong organizational skills and work orientation

Responsibilities

Lead internal and supplier containment actions in collaboration with Operations and Quality.
Facilitate supplier kick-off meetings to align expectations and establish rapid response actions.
Conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations to resolve critical quality or delivery issues.
Coordinate with stakeholders to develop and implement improvement plans and ensure clear communication through plan review checkpoints.
Monitor leading and lagging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess progress.
Evaluate whether exit criteria have been achieved for containment efforts.
Escalate persistent issues to crisis mode or tiger teams when warranted.
Partner with Commodity Teams and SBUs to ensure closed-loop feedback and transition to sustainable operations.
Lead supplier site identification and prioritize development efforts aligned with risk, impact, and strategic commodity needs.
Conduct supplier assessments using SRA, SHA, Gemba, etc.
Engage suppliers with development roadmaps, training, and targeted actions tied to maturity models and long-term growth.
Align with Commodity Managers and Engineering teams on supplier readiness for new programs or volume ramp-ups.
Facilitate structured improvement plan development, KPI tracking, and gate reviews.
Monitor progress toward achieving target maturity levels and initiate sustainment planning once development objectives are met.
Support long-term monitoring and re-engagement cycles to ensure supplier performance remains stable.
Develop and build manufacturing process technology tools and standardization include FMEA and Control Plans
Provide leadership and/or support for supplier transitions, ensuring a smooth handover of work scope with minimal disruption.
Support the sustainment phase by monitoring supplier maturity post-transition and ensuring long-term capability.
Align with internal business units and suppliers to reinforce performance expectations and continuous improvement efforts.
Execute APQP for new product launch and work transition projects

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs