Senior Defense Supplier Strategy Lead

Leidos Inc; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 116,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem across defense programs. You will lead strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, and small business engagement, coordinating with multiple functions to improve affordability and resilience.

The role requires deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, a track record in supplier strategy, and the ability to translate data into executive action.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's with defense or regulated environment experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and small business requirements.
• Proven success in negotiating high-value, long-term supplier agreements.
• Experience with spend analysis, supplier segmentation and risk assessment.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and cross-functional leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Defense Sector supplier strategies for priority programs.
• Analyze cross-program spend and supplier performance to identify partners.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to increase competition and optimize the supply base.
• Negotiate long-term supplier agreements to improve affordability and continuity.
• Collaborate across Programs, Contracts, Engineering, Finance and Supply Chain.
• Lead small business strategy, including SB subcontracting plans and FAR reporting.
• Translate data into executive insights to drive savings and growth.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Spend analysis

Risk assessment

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Supply base optimization

DoD contracting basics

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience

Master's degree with 10+ years

Tools

Costpoint

Supplier analytics dashboards

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem across defense programs. You will lead strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, and small business engagement, coordinating with multiple functions to improve affordability and resilience.

The role requires deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, a track record in supplier strategy, and the ability to translate data into executive action.