Supply Chain Manager – Defense Programs

Supply Chain Manager – Defense Programs Location: Franklin, MA or Lorton, VA Salary Range: $130,000–$160,000 annually Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel may be required Job Type: Direct Hire, Hybrid Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Supply Chain Manager with strong leadership presence to lead and oversee supply chain operations supporting complex defense programs. This position requires strategic planning capabilities and hands-on expertise in procurement, subcontract management, material planning, supplier performance, logistics, and government contracting compliance. The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of materials, equipment, fabricated assemblies, and build-to-print hardware. The successful candidate will have direct experience supporting Department of Defense programs and managing supply chains for complex hardware through development, low-rate initial production, and full-rate production. Key Responsibilities Supply Chain Leadership and Strategy Lead, plan, and manage supply chain and procurement operations supporting complex defense systems, equipment, and components. Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with program requirements, organizational objectives, delivery schedules, and cost targets. Lead, mentor, and develop buyers, subcontract administrators, and other supply chain personnel. Establish clear performance expectations and provide coaching, feedback, and professional development. Demonstrate strong executive presence and effectively communicate supply chain risks, priorities, and recommendations to senior leadership. Program Material Planning and Execution Own the material plan for assigned programs by translating the integrated master schedule and MRP requirements into phased procurement plans. Ensure long-lead materials are identified and initiated sufficiently in advance of program need dates. Drive supplier performance against program schedules through expediting, schedule pull-ins, recovery planning, and resolution of constraints affecting critical-path hardware. Support direct and production materials, including build-to-print hardware, fabricated assemblies, machined components, and other long-lead items. Manage engineering changes throughout the supply base by evaluating cost and schedule impacts and sequencing supplier direction to protect work in process. Partner with Quality to resolve nonconforming material issues and ensure timely closure of supplier corrective actions. Procurement and Subcontract Management Oversee sourcing, purchasing, and subcontracting activities supporting defense production programs and customer delivery commitments. Lead the performance management of major subcontractors, including production readiness, delivery commitments, risk mitigation, and corrective-action closure based on verified root cause. Review RFPs and identify procurement risks, opportunities, compliance requirements, and sourcing strategies. Advise program teams and leadership on procurement and subcontracting strategies supporting proposals and program execution. Develop qualified supplier lists and support requests for information, quotations, proposals, and invitations to bid. Evaluate and interview prospective suppliers based on technical capability, capacity, quality, cost, schedule, and compliance. Negotiate pricing, terms, conditions, and delivery commitments to minimize risk and achieve favorable business outcomes. Build productive supplier relationships that support quality, delivery, responsiveness, and advantageous commercial terms. Monitor supplier performance and compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle. Work closely with program teams to track procurement schedules, milestones, risks, and deadlines. Government Contracting Compliance and Governance Ensure procurement and subcontracting activities comply with FAR, DFARS, applicable contract requirements, c…

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