Strategic Supplier Performance Lead

Safran; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran is seeking a Senior Supplier Performance Manager to drive supplier improvement across a portfolio of production suppliers. You will lead assessments, develop programs, and coordinate escalation processes to ensure on-time delivery and quality.

The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement and operations, plus experience with APQP, Lean and SAP. Travel up to 40% is expected, primarily domestic.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the specified disciplines.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in Supply Chain, Supplier Management, Program Management or Supplier Development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of supply chain operations, procurement strategies, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, continuous improvement tools (APQP, Lean, Six Sigma), and production planning methods.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and logistics performance measurement tools such as LOB and WIP trackers.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence both internal teams and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple supplier engagements concurrently, including remote coordination and on-site interventions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex supplier recovery projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute supplier performance initiatives to ensure on-time delivery, consistent quality, and operational excellence.
• Manage supplier assessments, development programs, and escalation processes in alignment with Safran's supply chain strategies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for critical supplier improvement activities, collaborating across internal teams and supplier leadership.
• Support crisis management and recovery for underperforming suppliers to protect customer delivery schedules and product quality.
• Communicate performance risks, progress updates, and improvement plans to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Evaluate and assess supplier risk and define appropriate monitoring plans as per established procedures.
• Execute the Monitoring Plan by performing Annual and Monthly Performance Review, Baseline and Conducting supplier site visits and audits, both scheduled and ad hoc, to assess capability, capacity, and compliance.
• Drive improvements in supplier logistics and quality performance using KPIs, scorecards, root cause analysis and action plan.
• Lead and manage the supplier escalation process for delivery delays or nonconformance issues.
• Track and expedite critical and escalated parts using tools like Line of Balance (LOB), Work-in-Process (WIP) trackers, and MRP diagnostics.
• Coach suppliers on APQP, Lean principles and process optimization to ensure sustainable improvements.
• Define Supplier Development key targets based on business requirements and manage their flow down and implementation
• Partner with Engineering, Commodity Managers, and Operations to ensure sourcing alignment and effective program ramp-ups.
• Resolve supplier-related roadblocks (e.g., documentation issues, first article approvals, change requests) that impact delivery schedules.
• Conduct regular briefings with Supplier Performance teams and Business Units on supplier status and escalations.
• Support strategic supply base optimization and relationship management with preferred and strategic partners.
• Participate in or lead special projects focused on supply chain resilience, supplier transitions, and productivity improvement.
• Contribute to internal process improvement initiatives to streamline supplier performance workflows within Safran
• Regular, predictable attendance is required
• Must be willing to work overtime as necessary
• Position type: This is an Individual Contributor position reporting to SPM Manager

Skills

Supplier management

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply chain, Engineering, Business, Operations, or related discipline

APICS CPIM 8.0 or CSCP or equivalent

Tools

SAP

LOB trackers

WIP trackers

APQP

Lean

Six Sigma

Job description

Safran is seeking a Senior Supplier Performance Manager to drive supplier improvement across a portfolio of production suppliers. You will lead assessments, develop programs, and coordinate escalation processes to ensure on-time delivery and quality.

The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement and operations, plus experience with APQP, Lean and SAP. Travel up to 40% is expected, primarily domestic.