Strategic Supplier Architect for Defense & Small Business

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

Job summary

Leidos Defense Sector in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem supporting critical defense programs and future growth. Reporting to the Vice President, Material and Procurement Operations, you will lead sector supplier strategy, strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, and small business engagement across programs.

You will translate supplier and spend data into executive insights, negotiate long‑term agreements, and

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management within defense or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and subcontracting compliance.
• Proven track record negotiating long-term supplier agreements.
• Experience with spend analysis and supplier risk assessment.
• Executive-level communication and cross-functional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Defense Sector supplier strategies supporting priority programs and strategic captures.
• Analyze cross-program spend, demand, supplier performance, and risk to identify strategic partners and opportunities.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives that leverage buying power and optimize the supply base.
• Negotiate strategic and long-term supplier agreements that improve affordability and supply continuity.
• Partner across Programs, Contracts, Engineering, and Supply Chain to integrate supplier strategy early in captures and program execution.
• Lead Defense Sector small business strategy, including supplier development and FAR/DFARS compliance.
• Translate supplier and spend data into executive insights and actions to drive savings and growth.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Supplier management

Subcontracts

Contracts

Supply chain

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience

Master's degree with 10+ years

Equivalent experience

Job description

Leidos Defense Sector in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Principal Supplier Strategist / Small Business Advocate to shape the supplier ecosystem supporting critical defense programs and future growth. Reporting to the Vice President, Material and Procurement Operations, you will lead sector supplier strategy, strategic sourcing, long-term agreements, and small business engagement across programs.

You will translate supplier and spend data into executive insights, negotiate long‑term agreements, and