Director, Supply Chain Management

Defense Maritime Solutions Inc; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Director of Supply Chain Management leads Defense Maritime Solutions' supply chain functions, including Logistics, Purchasing, and Parts Coordination. This role ensures alignment with business objectives, U.S. Government customer requirements, and compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR.

The Director drives supplier performance, develops resilient supply chain processes, and mentors high-performing teams to enable customer value and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field.
• 12+ years progressive supply chain experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in U.S. government contracting and defense industry supply chains.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Logistics, Purchasing and Parts Coordination aligned with DMS strategy and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives to improve efficiency and supplier performance.
• Optimize cost, schedule and quality while enforcing FAR/DFARS, ITAR and EAR requirements.
• Mentor Team Leads and drive cross-functional alignment with Program Management, Engineering, Finance and Business Development.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Decision Making

Negotiation

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field

Master’s degree (plus)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Supply Chain Management

Operational Development Full Time White Collar Chesapeake, VA, US

Salary Range: $117,000.00 To $145,000.00 Annually

Job Summary:

The Director of Supply Chain Management provides leadership and strategic direction for all supply chain functions at Defense Maritime Solutions (DMS), including Logistics, Purchasing, and Parts Coordination. This role ensures that supply chain strategies support DMS’s business objectives, U.S. Government customer requirements, and compliance with all regulatory obligations (FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR). The Director drives supplier performance, develops resilient supply chain processes, and leads high-performing teams to enable customer value, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Supply Chain function (Logistics, Purchasing, Parts Coordination), ensuring alignment with DMS strategy, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute strategic supply chain and sourcing initiatives—such as long-term agreements, price lists, and subcontract arrangements to improve efficiency, mitigate vendor risk, and enhance supplier performance.
• Optimize cost, schedule, and quality performance across the supply chain while ensuring adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
• Build organizational capability by mentoring Team Leads, promoting accountability, and driving cross-functional alignment with key stakeholders, such as Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and Business Development.
• Partner with parent company (Wärtsilä) corporate supply chain stakeholders to align vendor qualification, evaluation, and management processes.

Daily Activities:

• Lead and coach Logistics, Purchasing and Parts Coordination teams to ensure cohesive execution of supply chain strategies.
• Define and monitor supply chain KPI’s (on-time delivery, supplier performance, inventory turns, cost savings) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Direct supplier negotiations and establish strategic sourcing agreements to strengthen long-term partnerships and supply chain resilience.
• Oversee supplier qualification, ERP setup, and audit programs in collaboration with QEHS, ensuring non-conformities are addressed.
• Drive cross-functional integration of supply chain processes to support program execution, domestic sourcing opportunities, and customer requirements.
• Represent Supply Chain in customer, supplier, and corporate meetings to ensure alignment, transparency, and risk mitigation.

Skills:

• Strategic Leadership – Ability to set long-term direction and drive execution across multiple teams.
• Decision Making – Make high-impact judgments balancing cost, risk, compliance, and customer needs.
• Negotiation – Lead high-level supplier discussions and agreements.
• Analytical Thinking – Use data and KPIs to inform decisions and strategies.
• Communication – Strong ability to convey strategy to executives, staff, suppliers, and customers.

General Knowledge:

• Supply Chain Management – Advanced understanding of procurement, logistics, distribution, and sales coordination.
• Government Contracting – Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CDRLs, CLINs, ITAR, EAR, and compliance frameworks.
• Financial Acumen – Understanding of cost structures, budgets, and financial analysis.
• Continuous Improvement – Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• ERP & Digital Tools – Experience with ERP systems (Deltek CostPoint preferred) and data-driven supply chain tools.

Working Style:

• Leadership – Inspire and motivate teams; build alignment across functions.
• Integrity – Uphold compliance, ethics, and organizational values.
• Dependability – Ensure consistent delivery of commitments.
• Adaptability – Adjust strategies to changing defense and supply market conditions.
• Collaboration – Work cross-functionally and externally with suppliers/customers.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• 12+ years progressive supply chain experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in U.S. government contracting and defense industry supply chains.
• Strong track record in supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and logistics management.
• Experience managing and developing teams across multiple functions.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Experience working in a FOCI-mitigated company under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) a plus.

American With Disabilities Specifications – General Requirements of Employment

The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required by the job to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.