Material Program Manager

The Material Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement and supply of materials needed for a project or program, ensuring that materials are available on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement material strategies for specific projects or programs; Collaborate with project teams to understand material requirements and timelines; Create and maintain material delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with project milestones; Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance; Work closely with procurement teams to negotiate contracts and secure materials in a timely manner; Establish strong relationships with suppliers and address any supply chain disruptions or issues; Manage the material budget for the program, ensuring material costs stay within approved limits; Identify cost-saving opportunities, including supplier negotiations and process improvements; Track and report on material expenditures, variances, and forecasts; Proactively identify risks related to material shortages, supplier disruptions, or market fluctuations; Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including alternative sourcing and buffer stock planning; Monitor supply chain performance to anticipate potential delays and adjust plans accordingly; Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and project management teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules; Facilitate communication between internal teams and suppliers to address material issues and drive resolutions; Work with quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet the required specifications and standards; Implement and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to supplier on-time delivery, and supplier performance; Maintain accurate records of material orders, deliveries, and costs; Provide regular status updates to program leadership on material availability, risks, and costs; Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations for material management; Perform other duties as required

Requirements

Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and material logistics; Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills; Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., Infor LN, SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems); Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and competing priorities; Strong problem-solving and risk management skills; Skilled at analyzing data to inform decision-making and optimize material flow; Ability to track complex material schedules and manage multiple suppliers simultaneously; Able to quickly respond to changes in material requirements, production schedules, or supplier issues; Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; 10+ Experience in Aerospace manufacturing operations; Proven experience in developing, negotiating, and closing subcontracts with large spend (greater than $500,000 USD) suppliers; Experience with sourcing and managing commodity suppliers: composites (mid to high volume), small gasoline engine propulsion - Aerospace, electric/electronic/electro-mechanical components with established relationships with key franchised distributors including Arrow, Avnet, TTI, etc., avionics including flight GPS systems, flight controllers and autopilot systems, wire harness manufacturing; Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance; U.S. Citizenship required

Nice to have

Defense contract manufacturing experience preferred; Global supply chain experience preferred; Aerospace wing, fuselage, and flight surface composite manufacturing experience a plus

Benefits

401(k)-retirement plan; Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company; Professional development funds; Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support