Job Description

We are hiring a Supplier Performance Manager to drive on-time delivery, quality, and process capability across our aerospace supply base (primarily Americas region, supporting Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer programs among others).

This role reports into Supplier Performance Management leaders and focuses on proactive risk mitigation, crisis recovery, and sustained supplier improvement.

Expect heavy field work – 60%+ travel (domestic and international) – directly at supplier facilities. Remote; results and presence when and where needed are what matter.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead supplier recovery efforts during delivery crises: secure executive engagement at suppliers, establish and track robust recovery plans, prioritize critical parts, and escalate effectively to internal stakeholders (Purchasing, Programs, Supply Chain, Site Leadership) and customers as required.
• Conduct thorough supplier assessments (process capability, capacity, quality systems, risk) for both new and existing sources; prioritize based on program impact.
• Drive root-cause corrective actions and process improvements at suppliers; facilitate Kaizen events, VA/VE workshops, and training in advanced problem-solving (8D, A3, etc.).
• Identify bottlenecks, optimize logistics parameters (lead times, MOQ, packaging), and implement solutions that directly improve OTD and reduce risk.
• Support development and standardization of department tools, metrics, and reporting to increase visibility and effectiveness.
• Coordinate with Supplier Quality, Procurement, and Program teams to shift left – addressing issues before they hit production.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (engineering or technical field strongly preferred).
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience working inside manufacturing environments at suppliers (aerospace, automotive, or complex assembly preferred).
• Proven track record improving supplier performance (quality, delivery, capacity) in high-stakes, regulated industries.
• Willingness and ability to travel 60%+ (including international; valid passport required).
• Strong technical foundation in manufacturing processes (machining, composites, assembly, inspection) and quality tools (FMEA, SPC, RCCA, APQP/PPAP).
• Demonstrated crisis-management capability under schedule pressure.
• Excellent communication and influence skills – able to engage supplier executives and internal leadership decisively.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Engineering degree (mechanical, industrial, aerospace, etc.).
• Experience in aerospace supply chain (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA requirements).
• Formal training/certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar.
• Prior supplier-facing role involving audits, development plans, and performance scorecards.

Behavioral Expectations

• Self-directed: plan and execute supplier visits autonomously based on risk and program needs.
• Direct and honest, yet respectful, communication – not sugar-coating issues, no tolerance for sustained poor performance.
• Bias for action: move fast when parts are late, dig deep when root cause is hidden, follow through until issues are resolved.
• Comfortable pushing back on suppliers and internal functions alike when required to protect program schedules.

These roles are field-intensive and results-driven. If you’ve spent real time on supplier manufacturing floors, can smell a capacity constraint coming, and get energy from turning around tough situations, this is your kind of work.