Manager, Supplier Development

RH Aero Systems; Mason (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

HSA and FSA plans

401k employer match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

RH Aero Systems in Mason, Ohio, seeks a Supplier Development Manager to lead supplier identification, qualification, and development for tooling and GSE components. You will evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and collaborate with Strategic Sourcing to align with aerospace standards.

Reporting to the regional Supply Chain Manager, you will own supplier onboarding, drive continuous improvement, and manage performance against KPIs while supporting on-site visits to key suppliers as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• 5–7 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supplier development in aerospace or precision engineering.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supporting supplier development programs.
• Fluent in English; additional languages advantageous.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new suppliers for tooling, machining, fabrication, and assembly.
• Categorize suppliers against global standards and perform process audits.
• Lead supplier onboarding and contract framework activities.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Travel up to 40% to supplier locations.

Skills

Supplier audits

Negotiation

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Machining & fabrication knowledge

Quality systems

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management

Job description

Supplier Development Manager,Mason, OhioReports to: Director, Supply Chain Management, North America U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, Or Immigration Status RequirementsRH Aero Systems is setting the standard for aviation support equipment and services. Through ourCandidate must be a US citizen to meet the eligibility criteria for this position. Who We Are?RH Aero Systems is setting the standard for aviation support equipment and services. Through our industry-leading businesses – Rhinestahl and HYDRO Systems – we deliver capability across custom-designed Ground Support Equipment, OEM-licensed engine and airframe tooling, 26 global service centers and innovative engineered solutions for OEMs, MROs and Operators worldwide. RH Aero Systems’ global headquarters are in Mason, Ohio, USA, and Biberach, Germany. For further details visit RHAero.com. Why Join Us?Join RH Aero as a Supplier Development Manager and help shape a supplier network that supports high-quality, cost-effective airframe tooling, aircraft engine tooling, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) components. You’ll build lasting supplier relationships and lead supplier identification, qualification, categorization, and development beyond individual purchase orders. With deep insight into supplier capability and capacity, you’ll strengthen machining, fabrication, assembly, and special processes—including NDT, coatings, and heat treatment—to meet aerospace quality, delivery, and OEM requirements. You’ll also have the opportunity to work directly with suppliers on-site when urgent challenges arise.This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact—not just resolve day-to-day issues. You’ll take ownership of long-term supplier performance and capability improvement, addressing root causes and strengthening processes to deliver sustainable results.Your insights into supplier capability, capacity, and development potential will help shape supplier strategies alongside Strategic Sourcing and key stakeholders. You’ll bring a hands-on supplier perspective to shared decisions, with Strategic Sourcing leading alignment to global supply chain strategy and program requirements. How you will collaborate ?You’ll collaborate across a global network, partnering with program-level Strategic Sourcing resources and regional supply chain operations teams to develop strategies for new and existing suppliers based on market needs and demand. Reporting directly to the regional Supply Chain Manager, with a strong reporting relationship to the Global Manager of the Supplier Development Unit, you’ll connect regional priorities with global supplier development efforts. ️ What You Will Do?Supplier Development & Qualification:You’ll identify and evaluate new suppliers for tooling, precision machining, fabrication, and assembly in line with regional strategy.You’ll categorize and evaluate suppliers against global standards.You’ll assess supplier capabilities, conduct process audits with underperforming suppliers, and carry out technical reviews to ensure alignment with aerospace standards.You’ll drive supplier onboarding in accordance with company and OEM procedures.You’ll partner with operational purchasing and strategic sourcing teams on demand planning and supplier management initiatives.You’ll lead First Article Inspection activities and ensure robust process validation.You’ll help create and maintain supplier contracts, including framework agreements, LTAs, QAAs, MOUs, and LOIs.You’ll contribute ideas to improve internal supplier development and management processes and methods.You’ll support the introduction of AI and the continued digitalization of purchasing processes.Supplier Performance ImprovementYou’ll monitor supplier KPIs across quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and sustained capability, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.You’ll implement supplier scorecards and establish regular business reviews.You’ll work with suppliers on root-cause analysis and corrective actions to address quality or delivery issues.You’ll develop improvement roadmaps with suppliers to strengthen process capability, quality system maturity, and lean manufacturing.Strategic Sourcing SupportYou’ll collaborate with internal Supply Chain stakeholders to evaluate make-versus-buy decisions and sourcing strategies.You’ll provide technical input during supplier selection and contract negotiations.You’ll support cost-reduction initiatives through supplier process optimisation and value engineering.Supplier Relationship ManagementYou’ll build strong working relationships with key suppliers, serving as a technical and operational liaison.You’ll support supplier capacity planning to align with business growth and program ramp-ups.You’ll partner with Supplier Quality Engineers and Sourcing Specialists to align supplier capabilities with future tooling technology needs.Compliance & StandardsYou’ll ensure suppliers comply with required standards.You’ll help develop global supplier development processes and standards, and support supplier training and certification programs. What You Will Bring?Education & ExperienceYou’ll bring a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.You’ll bring a minimum of 5–7 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supplier development within the aerospace or precision engineering sector.You’ll have proven experience conducting supplier audits and supporting supplier development programs.Technical & Functional SkillsYou’ll bring a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical drawings.You’ll have a proven track record of developing suppliers for machined or fabricated components.Ideally, you’ll be familiar with tooling, fixtures, or ground support equipment for aircraft engines.You’ll bring experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.Soft SkillsYou’ll bring strong communication and negotiation skills, with a proactive approach to working with multicultural supplier networks.You’ll be fluent in spoken and written English; additional language skills are an advantage.You’ll bring a basic understanding of international law, supplier development, and risk management.Key CompetenciesYou’ll bring technical knowledge of machining, welding, and assembly processes.You’ll have an analytical mindset, with a focus on problem-solving and process improvement.You’ll bring strong project management skills and the ability to lead across functions.You’ll be willing to travel to supplier locations, both domestically and internationally.You’ll bring a customer-focused, results-driven approach.Performance IndicatorsYour success will be measured by improvements in supplier maturity and capability.Your success will also be measured by the successful onboarding of new suppliers for key programs.Travel Requirements:You’ll be available to travel up to 40% of the time, as required, to visit licensee supplier locations. Benefits and Additional InformationWe offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team’s health, financial security, and overall well-being. The company offers competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, HSA and FSA plans, Mental health resources, and employee assistance programs. We offer Paid Parental Leave, Company Paid Long Term Disability, competitive 401k employer match, floating holiday, tuition reimbursement program, amongst other benefits.We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. The company participates in E-Verify as required by law.