Director of Supply Chain

Hanwha Defense USA, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Defense USA is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to lead procurement and sourcing for shipbuilding programs, establishing strategic direction, processes, and an organization to ensure compliant, cost-effective materials and services.

The role will build a high-performing team, manage supplier performance, negotiate complex contracts, oversee incoterms and DFARS compliance, and coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading production procurement in a manufacturing environment; defense focus preferred.
• Proven success building and scaling procurement teams.
• Strong background in negotiation, sourcing strategy, supplier management and cost reduction.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategy for shipbuilding materials and services.
• Develop localization of supply base to meet regulatory requirements.
• Oversee supplier sourcing, qualification, and performance management.
• Direct complex contract negotiations and long-term agreements.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Compliance and Finance to align objectives.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Defense experience

Contract negotiations

Supplier management

Incoterms/Logistics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Director of Supply Chain will lead and develop Hanwha Defense USA's procurement and supply chain function with a primary focus on production procurement supporting ship building programs. This role will establish the strategic direction, processes, and organizational structure required to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of materials, equipment, and services essential to production operations. The Director will build and manage a high-performing procurement team while driving supplier performance, operational excellence, and supply chain resilience across domestic and international operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the procurement strategy for shipbuilding materials, including steel and raw materials, equipment, bulk materials, consumables, MRO supplies, and services.
• Lead the localization of supply base for key raw materials and equipment to meet the Build America Act requirement through the development of supply chain strategy and supplier development.
• Monitor and manage the performance and compliance of procurement teams.
• Build, lead, and mentor a procurement and supply chain organization capable of supporting high-volume, defense-focused production operations.
• Oversee supplier sourcing, selection, qualification, and performance management to support program requirements and long-term business objectives.
• Lead complex contract negotiations, pricing strategies, long-term agreements, and cost-reduction initiatives across global supply markets.
• Direct supply chain risk management activities, including supplier contingency planning, assessment of critical suppliers, and mitigation of disruptions affecting production schedules.
• Oversee delivery schedule management, production material planning integration, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time availability of critical items.
• Manage procurement for capital projects, including facilities, construction materials, equipment packages, and engineering/procurement/construction (EPC) scopes as required.
• Ensure compliance with Incoterms, international logistics requirements, hazardous goods transportation (IMDG), and import/export regulations related to material movement.
• Oversee global supplier relationships, including licensor and equipment vendor management, contract compliance, and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate with internal teams—including Production, Engineering, Quality, Compliance, and Finance—to align procurement activities with technical, operational, and cost objectives.
• Support defense-specific procurement requirements, including familiarity with DFARS, domestic sourcing obligations, and other U.S. defense acquisition expectations.
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of procurement policies, procedures, tools, systems, and controls to ensure operational excellence and audit readiness.
• Establish performance metrics, reporting dashboards, and supplier KPIs to manage cost, quality, delivery, and risk across the supply base.
• Collaborate closely with logistics partners to ensure effective international transportation and freight management supporting production schedules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in production procurement within a manufacturing environment; experience in defense industry is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling procurement and supply chain teams.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, sourcing strategy, supplier management, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience managing suppliers, equipment vendors, and licensors.
• Comprehensive understanding of Incoterms and international transportation practices.
• Experience with hazardous goods (IMDG) transportation, import/export requirements, and related regulatory considerations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with defense industry procurement standards, including DFARS and domestic sourcing constraints.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Production, Engineering, Quality, Compliance, Security, and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain roles, including leadership of teams.
• Experience in defense and shipbuilding industry strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

• Occasional international travel required.
• Must be a U.S. person as required for access to controlled information.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market conditions, geographic location and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package.

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.