Senior Supply Chain Manager - Rate Readiness

The Boeing Company; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 127,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, seeks a seasoned Purchasing/Procurement Manager to lead the rate readiness team and oversee a global supplier network.

This role focuses on aligning supply chain activities with Boeing Spirit Commercial objectives, improving processes, and ensuring on-time delivery. You will manage supplier capacity, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate across functions to reduce costs while maintaining quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in supply chain with leadership experience in a production environment
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and negotiate supplier contracts
• Strong financial acumen and commercial negotiation skills
• Ability to drive change and manage project timelines

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain rate readiness team and align with business objectives
• Oversee rate assessors to maintain supplier capacity and compliance
• Analyze supplier capability to meet Wichita demand and future needs
• Track and implement supplier actions to support rate breaks
• Present metrics to senior leadership on supply chain readiness
• Execute strategies to support growth, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency
• Lead process improvements to reduce waste and costs
• Build relationships with internal teams and suppliers to meet performance standards
• Act as focal point for supplier rate readiness activities
• Manage supply chain execution strategies for program projects

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Cross-functional leadership

MS Office 365 (Excel, Power BI)

Verbal and written communication

Negotiation

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Business/Supply Chain/Mechanical Engineering

MBA or Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP

MRP systems

Job description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units (“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

Spirit AeroSystems’ Supply Chain Management Organization is responsible for the procurement of all materials and services. The company has contracts and agreements in place with top-tier suppliers across the globe. A Purchasing / Procurement Manager at Spirit is responsible for leading a team of purchasing professionals through the life cycle of purchased components from requirement identification, sourcing, order placement and receipt/ delivery to the assembly line. Our teams ensure we have the right part, at the right place, at the right time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead supply chain rate readiness team, ensuring process management, alignment with business objectives, collaboration on planning, process improvement, and problem resolution.

• Oversee a team of rate assessors to ensure global suppliers are positioned to meet Boeing Wichita demand requirements, maintain compliance, and drive operational excellence.

• Oversee supplier capability/capacity analysis to ensure suppliers are positioned to support Boeing Wichita statement of work for both current and future demand requirements.

• Establish and track to completion supplier actions required to support rate breaks.

• Establish, prepare, update and present to senior leadership metrics detailing overall supply chain rate readiness preparedness.

• Execute supply chain strategy to support business growth and mitigate risks, ensuring continuity and efficiency.

• Implement process improvements and lead initiatives to streamline operations, reduce waste, and drive cost reduction.

• Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment to meet customer requirements and performance standards.

• Act as supply chain program focal in support of supplier rate readiness activity.

• Manage and oversee supply chain execution strategies to support statement of work program projects.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• 10+ years of supply chain experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role within a production environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Power BI) and project management tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact at all organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with a wide range of individuals and departments in a diverse environment.
• Proven experience in negotiating and managing supplier contracts, with strong financial acumen and commercial negotiation skills to ensure compliance and favorable terms.
• Ability to drive change, improve processes, and manage project timelines effectively.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Supply Chain, Mechanical engineering or related field (MBA or Master’s preferred).
• Experience with MRP systems, SAP, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of governance and compliance, including AS9100 or similar audits.
• APICS, CPIM, CSCP, or other industry certifications.
• Understanding of APQP and quality management systems.
• Experience in supplier management and recovery execution strategies.

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: $127,150 - $194,900

Kansas Tax Credit:

Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years.Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Export Control Requirements:

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.