Strategic Supplier Architect — Defense Sector

Leidos Inc; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 116,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Defense Sector seeks a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem supporting critical defense programs and future growth.

This high-visibility role leads Sector supplier strategy, strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, supply base optimization, and small business engagement. The successful candidate will connect supplier capabilities and cross-program demand to improve competitiveness, affordability, resiliency, and mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience or Master's with 10+ years.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, subcontracts, or supply chain in defense/federal/regulated environments.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government small business requirements, and experience negotiating long-term supplier agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Defense Sector supplier strategies for priority programs and strategic captures.
• Analyze spend, demand, supplier performance, and risk to identify strategic partners and new capabilities.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to strengthen supplier partnerships and optimize the supply base.
• Negotiate long-term supplier agreements to improve affordability, capacity, and performance.
• Partner across programs, contracts, engineering, finance, and procurement to integrate supplier strategy early.
• Lead small business strategy including Subcontracting Plans, FAR/DFARS compliance, and government reporting.
• Translate data into executive-level insights to drive savings and growth.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Supplier management

Subcontracts

Negotiation

Analytical

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Costpoint

Job description

Leidos Defense Sector seeks a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem supporting critical defense programs and future growth.

This high-visibility role leads Sector supplier strategy, strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, supply base optimization, and small business engagement. The successful candidate will connect supplier capabilities and cross-program demand to improve competitiveness, affordability, resiliency, and mission readiness.