Program Manager, Critical Suppliers- 515 Program
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada LtdDe Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide. Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance. Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation. Position Overview The Program Manager, Critical Suppliers – 515 Program will lead and oversee the strategic management, performance, and execution of key supplier relationships supporting the CL-515 program. This role will be accountable for ensuring critical suppliers are aligned with program requirements and capable of meeting production demands, delivery schedules, quality expectations, and cost objectives. Working closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and other key stakeholders, the Program Manager will proactively identify and address supplier-related risks, resolve performance challenges, and drive recovery plans to protect program milestones and production objectives. The successful candidate will take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, establishing strong relationships with critical suppliers while driving accountability, transparency, and measurable performance improvements. This role will serve as a key interface between De Havilland Canada and its critical suppliers, ensuring supplier readiness, capacity, and execution remain aligned with the evolving needs of the 515 program. Key Responsibilities Lead the overall supplier program management strategy for critical suppliers supporting the 515 program, ensuring alignment with production requirements, program milestones, and business objectives. Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, serving as the primary escalation point for significant supplier performance, delivery, quality, and capacity concerns. Monitor and drive supplier performance against key metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, production capacity, lead times, and overall execution. Work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Planning to ensure supplier deliverables align with production requirements and program priorities. Proactively identify supplier risks, constraints, and potential disruptions, developing mitigation strategies and contingency plans to protect production schedules. Lead supplier recovery initiatives and action plans where performance is below expectations, establishing clear accountabilities, timelines, and measurable improvement targets. Assess supplier capacity, capability, and operational readiness to support current and future 515 program production requirements and ramp-up objectives. Drive resolution of complex supplier issues, coordinating internal resources and engaging senior supplier leadership when required to achieve timely outcomes. Establish and maintain regular supplier performance reviews, program governance, escalation processes, and reporting mechanisms to provide visibility into supplier health and program risks. Mon…