Supplier Program Manager

Supplier Program Manager (SPM) - Construction & Facilities Location: TX, NM or LA/MS About Us X-Bow Systems is an innovative aerospace and defense company revolutionizing propulsion systems for space exploration and defense applications. As a growing startup, we operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where strategic supplier partnerships are critical to our mission success. We are seeking a Supplier Program Manager who can proactively manage our construction contractor relationships, drive performance excellence, and implement dynamic contracting strategies that balance control with operational flow. Job Summary The Supplier Program Manager will serve as the strategic owner of our indirect construction contractor relationships, managing supplier performance, contract execution, and change order processes across our facilities portfolio. This role requires a proactive, relationship-focused approach to supplier management, with the ability to implement controls and governance frameworks while maintaining project momentum. The ideal candidate brings construction contract expertise, construction project management experience, supplier development experience, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a regulated defense environment. It would be a plus to have experience in industrial construction such as government facilities, oil and gas or manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Strategic Supplier Relationship Management Serve as the primary business relationship owner for assigned construction and general contractor suppliers Develop and execute supplier engagement strategies that align contractor capabilities with X-Bow's facility and infrastructure needs Conduct regular business reviews with key contractors to assess performance, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement Build strategic partnerships that enable proactive capacity planning and rapid response to emerging requirements Manage supplier schedules and milestones, implementing tracking and communicating status to internal stakeholders Contract Strategy & Execution Design and implement dynamic contracting strategies (MSAs, IDIQ, task orders) that provide flexibility while maintaining cost and schedule control Lead contract negotiations for construction services, ensuring favorable terms, competitive pricing, and appropriate risk allocation Develop standardized contract templates and frameworks that streamline procurement while ensuring compliance with internal X-Bow policies. Partner with Legal and Contracts teams to structure agreements that support both tactical needs and long-term strategic objectives Change Order Management & Controls Establish and manage a proactive change order governance process that balances control with project flow Implement early warning systems to identify potential scope changes before they impact schedule or budget Negotiate change orders with contractors, ensuring fair pricing, proper justification, and alignment with project objectives Develop metrics and dashboards to track change order trends, root causes, and cost impacts Create standardized change order evaluation criteria and approval workflows Guide and manage document storage process for change orders that is clear and easily accessible Supplier Performance & Development Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for construction contractors including quality, schedule adherence, safety, and cost performance Conduct supplier scorecarding and performance assessments, implementing corrective action plans when needed Identify supplier capability gaps and drive improvement initiatives through training, process enhancement, or supplier development programs Manage supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and security requirements Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Facilities, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations teams to understand requirements and translate them into supplier strategies Collaborate with …

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