Principal Supplier Program Manager

Saab AB; Cranston, Bristol (RI, RI); On-site; USD 166,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Saab, Inc. is seeking a Principal Supplier Program Manager to oversee supplier performance, drive cost efficiency, and ensure timely deliveries within the AUS program. You will lead a small team of SPMs and coordinate across segments to standardize processes and support ToT transitions.

The role requires 12+ years in supply chain (or 8+ with an MBA/MS/JD), aerospace/defense experience, and ability to obtain security clearance. Domestic travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher degree with 12+ years of relevant experience in supply chain.
• MBA/MS/JD with 8+ years is acceptable.
• Aerospace or defense industry supply chain experience.
• Ability to lead a small team.
• Experience managing supplier performance against POs, SoWs, or IMS.
• Strong procurement knowledge including sourcing, contracting, and expediting.
• ERP experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Government Security Clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of SPMs to manage supplier performance and costs.
• Collaborate with business segment leaders to standardize supply chain processes.
• Support ToT transition of supply chain execution to Saab, Inc.
• Develop and SoW for ToT programs and developmental hardware.
• Track supplier delivery against POs/SoWs and IMS.
• Build relationships with Saab affiliates and external suppliers for schedule/cost.
• Prepare quarterly reviews for management.
• Lead weekly PO, material schedule and delivery status teleconferences.
• Report metrics on on-time delivery, cost, and supplier risks.
• Update material forecasts contributing to revenue recognition.
• Provide weekly updates to Supply Chain leadership on milestones and risks.
• Support cost and labor inputs for proposals.
• Lead QBRs with critical suppliers on quality, cost, delivery.
• Manage IMS-aligned supplier production schedules.
• Escalate critical-path issues to leadership.
• Travel between Cranston and Bristol facilities as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

Analytical thinking

Travel readiness

Security clearance

Education

BA/BS degree + 12+ years

MBA/MS/JD

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Saab, Inc. has a career opportunity for a dynamic, results-oriented Principal Supplier Program Manager (SPM) to join the Supply Chain team. As a Principal SPM, you will manage every aspect of a program’s relationship with its critical suppliers and oversee supplier deliveries, which are vital to the success and timely execution of Saab programs, while providing critical leadership to a small team of SPMs assigned to Autonomous Underwater Systems (AUS).

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to a small team of Supplier Program Managers who manage supplier performance to control costs, improve schedules, and resolve quality challenges within AUS.
• Provide leadership in collaborative efforts with other business segment leaders to improve or standardize supply chain management processes.
• Assist with ToT efforts relating to the transition of supply chain execution responsibility to Saab, Inc. from our Saab affiliate.
• Facilitate the development of a Statement of Work (SoW) when required to support ToT programs, service vendors, or the production of developmental hardware.
• Execute advanced techniques to monitor supplier performance against deliverables documented in Purchase Orders or a SoW.
• Develop relationships with our Saab affiliate and other external suppliers to ensure that supplier deliverables meet agreed-upon schedule, scope, and cost requirements.
• Prepare and deliver quarterly internal management reviews.
• Coordinate and lead weekly teleconferences to review the status of purchase orders, material schedules, and anticipated deliveries.
• Track, maintain, and report metrics related to supplier on-time delivery, cost, and supplier risks.
• Develop, track, and update material forecasts that contribute to the timely recognition of forecasted revenue commitments to the business.
• Provide weekly updates to Supply Chain leadership on program accomplishments, milestones, current actions, and risks.
• Lead and/or participate in efforts to provide material cost and labor inputs for proposal efforts.
• Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with critical suppliers covering supplier performance in quality, cost, and delivery.
• Manage and monitor supplier production schedules against the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Escalate critical-path supplier issues and potential solutions to program and Supply Chain leadership.
• Travel between the Cranston and Bristol facilities, as needed.

Compensation Range: $165,500 - $215,100

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree with 12+ years of relevant experience or an MBA/MS/JD degree with 8+ years of experience.
• Supply chain experience within the aerospace or defense industry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a small team of employees.
• Experience managing supplier performance against Purchase Orders, Statements of Work (SoWs), or an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Comprehensive understanding of the procurement process, including sourcing, qualifying suppliers, placing orders, tracking on-time deliveries, and expediting.
• Experience navigating an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Experience with contracting methods and types.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply sound judgment and creativity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Financial acumen, including the ability to determine cost reasonableness.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% in support of program and business development efforts.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, if required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a production and/or development environment, preferably within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Experience with the U.S. Government (USG) or Department of Defense (DoD).
• Cross-functional experience working with Quality, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, and Program Management.
• Continuous improvement experience, including Black Belt or Green Belt certification.
• Understanding of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
• Experience interacting with programs and reporting to business leadership.

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

Wellness and employee assistance resources

Employee stock purchase opportunities

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Regardless of whether you value cutting edge technology, creativity or an innovative environment, everyone at Saab contributes to keeping people and society safe.