Supplier Program Manager

X-Bow Systems•Luling, TX

About The Position

X-Bow Systems is seeking a Supplier Program Manager (SPM) to strategically manage indirect construction contractor relationships across its facilities portfolio. The role owns supplier performance, contract execution, and change order processes, using a proactive, relationship-focused approach that establishes appropriate controls while maintaining project momentum. The position calls for construction contract and project management expertise, supplier development experience, and continuous improvement capability in a regulated defense environment. Industrial construction experience, such as government facilities, oil and gas, or manufacturing, is a plus. The Supplier Program Manager develops contractor engagement strategies, negotiates and administers construction agreements, establishes change order governance, and monitors supplier performance. The role collaborates with Facilities, Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Quality, EHS, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Contracts teams to align supplier capabilities with business needs, manage risk and compliance, and improve contractor management processes. Travel of up to 50% is expected for supplier visits, business reviews, and project site assessments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 6 years of progressive experience in supplier management, procurement, or contract administration, including at least 3 years focused on construction or facilities-related contracts.
Demonstrated experience managing general contractors, understanding construction scopes of work, and negotiating construction contracts.
Proven experience managing change order evaluation, negotiation, and cost control.
Ability to build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and improve supplier performance.
Project management capability, including guiding cross-functional teams, aligning goals and actions, taking the lead, and managing internal team inputs.
Experience negotiating and managing complex service contracts and familiarity with fixed-price, time-and-materials, cost-plus, and IDIQ contract structures.
Ability to analyze supplier performance data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Proactive problem-solving mindset, strong critical thinking, and ability to resolve complex supplier issues independently.
Must be a U.S. citizen and able to prove U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regulated defense or aerospace environments.
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and International Trade Compliance requirements.
Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
CPSM, CPSD, CPM, PMP, or similar supply chain or procurement certification.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, project management tools, ERP systems, and data visualization platforms.
Understanding of construction industry practices, labor markets, and material supply chains.
Industrial construction experience, such as government facilities, oil and gas, or manufacturing.
Strategic, adaptable, accountable, collaborative, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary business relationship owner for assigned construction and general contractor suppliers.
Develop and execute supplier engagement strategies aligned with facility and infrastructure needs.
Conduct regular contractor business reviews to assess performance, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement.
Build partnerships that support capacity planning and rapid response to emerging requirements.
Manage supplier schedules and milestones, track progress, and communicate status to internal stakeholders.
Design and implement flexible contracting strategies, including MSAs, IDIQ agreements, and task orders, while maintaining cost and schedule control.
Lead construction services contract negotiations, seeking favorable terms, competitive pricing, and appropriate risk allocation.
Develop standardized contract templates and frameworks that streamline procurement and comply with internal policies.
Partner with Legal and Contracts teams to structure agreements for tactical needs and long-term objectives.
Establish and manage a change order governance process that balances controls with project flow.
Implement early warning systems for potential scope changes that could affect schedule or budget.
Negotiate change orders, evaluate pricing and justification, and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Develop metrics and dashboards to track change order trends, root causes, and cost impacts.
Create standardized change order evaluation criteria and approval workflows.
Guide and manage clear, accessible storage of change order documentation.
Define and monitor contractor KPIs for quality, schedule adherence, safety, and cost performance.
Conduct supplier scorecarding and performance assessments and implement corrective action plans when needed.
Identify supplier capability gaps and lead improvement initiatives through training, process enhancement, or supplier development programs.
Manage supplier audits and assessments for quality, safety, and security compliance.
Partner with Facilities, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to understand requirements and translate them into supplier strategies.
Collaborate with Quality and EHS to ensure contractors meet safety and quality requirements for defense facility work.
Work with Finance and Accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies, track contractor spending, and support budget planning.
Provide leadership with status updates, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
Identify and mitigate supplier risks, including capacity constraints, financial instability, quality issues, and compliance gaps.
Ensure contractor compliance with security requirements, export control regulations, and facility access protocols.
Monitor construction market conditions, labor availability, and material cost trends that may affect supplier performance.
Develop contingency plans and alternate sourcing strategies for critical construction capabilities.
Streamline contractor management processes, reduce cycle times, and improve cost effectiveness.
Implement construction procurement practices such as pre-qualification programs, preferred supplier frameworks, and standardized scopes of work.
Use data analytics to identify trends, benchmark performance, and support evidence-based decisions.
Promote digital tools and technologies that improve supplier collaboration and visibility.