Supply Chain and Procurement Specialist

FreeFlight Systems, Inc.; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FreeFlight Systems, Inc. is seeking a Supply Chain and Procurement Specialist to serve as the Operations liaison between Engineering, Program Management, Procurement, Production, and Quality.

The role focuses on supplier performance, risk mitigation, and new product introductions to drive operational excellence. The position requires collaboration with contract manufacturers, onboarding FAIs, and maintaining supplier approval processes, while supporting continuity across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years experience in supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, or operations environments preferred.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, or aerospace manufacturing organizations is preferred.
• Familiarity with supplier qualification, supplier audits, corrective action processes, and supply chain risk management.
• Experience supporting new product introductions and production transitions is preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with project management principles and cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, qualification, onboarding, and endorsement of new contract manufacturers, including onsite inspections, verifications, and FAIs.
• Manage and maintain the contract manufacturer approval process and related documentation.
• Conduct vendor assessments and participate in vendor and supplier corrective action activities.
• Develop and onboard alternate contract manufacturers to support supply chain redundancy and continuity.
• Serve as Operations' primary point of contact for coordinating and tracking support activities involving Engineering, Program Management, Procurement, and Quality.
• Lead biweekly cross-functional status meetings and drive open action items to completion.
• Collaborate with Engineering on product sustainment initiatives and operational support activities.
• Partner with Procurement and Quality to monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support procurement and purchasing activities, particularly for new product introductions and supply continuity efforts.
• Manage and administer in-house service contracts.
• Monitor supplier approval status and proactively ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with contract manufacturers, distributors, and key suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify supply chain bottlenecks and support the development and implementation of corrective actions.
• Support planning and execution activities associated with new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies throughout the supply chain.
• Support counterfeit parts prevention initiatives and supplier risk mitigation activities.
• Participate in make-buy analyses and sourcing strategy decisions in collaboration with Procurement, Production, and Planning teams.
• Support project management activities for designated projects and strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

SUMMARY:

The Supply Chain and Procurement Specialist serves as Operations' primary liaison between Engineering, Program Management, Procurement, Production, and Quality. This role is responsible for supporting contract manufacturer management, supplier qualification, procurement activities, supply chain continuity, and cross-functional project execution. The position focuses on ensuring supplier performance, mitigating supply chain risks, supporting new product introductions, and driving operational excellence across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the identification, qualification, onboarding, and endorsement of new contract manufacturers, including onsite inspections, verifications, and First Article Inspections (FAIs).
• Manage and maintain the contract manufacturer approval process and related documentation.
• Conduct vendor assessments and participate in vendor and supplier corrective action activities.
• Develop and onboard alternate contract manufacturers to support supply chain redundancy and continuity.
• Serve as Operations' primary point of contact for coordinating and tracking support activities involving Engineering, Program Management, Procurement, and Quality.
• Lead biweekly cross-functional status meetings and drive open action items to completion.
• Collaborate with Engineering on product sustainment initiatives and operational support activities.
• Partner with Procurement and Quality to monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support procurement and purchasing activities, particularly for new product introductions and supply continuity efforts.
• Manage and administer in-house service contracts.
• Monitor supplier approval status and proactively ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with contract manufacturers, distributors, and key suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify supply chain bottlenecks and support the development and implementation of corrective actions.
• Support planning and execution activities associated with new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies throughout the supply chain.
• Support counterfeit parts prevention initiatives and supplier risk mitigation activities.
• Participate in make-buy analyses and sourcing strategy decisions in collaboration with Procurement, Production, and Planning teams.
• Support project management activities for designated projects and strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, or operations environments preferred.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, or aerospace manufacturing organizations is preferred.
• Familiarity with supplier qualification, supplier audits, corrective action processes, and supply chain risk management.
• Experience supporting new product introductions and production transitions is preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with project management principles and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, customers, management, and internal stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES:

Leadership

• Initiative: Proactively identifies issues and opportunities and drives solutions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates commitment to operational excellence and process improvement.

Interpersonal & Teamwork

• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across departments and external partners.
• Communication: Effectively communicates verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization.
• Customer Focus: Supports internal and external customers through responsive and professional service.

Personal & Intellectual

• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates information objectively and develops practical solutions.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities and business needs.
• Integrity: Demonstrates professionalism, trustworthiness, and ethical decision-making.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel domestically up to 25%.
• Ability to work regularly between Irving and Waco locations as business needs require.
• This position may require access to export-controlled information subject to ITAR and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Applicants must be authorized to access such information in accordance with applicable regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate, and operate standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments. The noise level may vary depending on operational activities. Occasional travel to supplier and customer locations may be required.