Apply to SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER – AEROSPACE & ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING

 

Location: Northwest Arkansas – Onsite
Salary: $110,000 – $160,000
Bonus: Up to 10% annually
 

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager with a strong background in aerospace, electronics, or complex manufacturing to lead purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and materials planning for an established aerospace and defense manufacturing operation.

IMPORTANT: Candidates MUST have experience purchasing electronic components and commodities for direct manufacturing operations, preferably in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.

This position requires more than general purchasing or inventory management experience. We are looking for a hands-on supply chain leader who understands electronic component sourcing, supplier negotiations, material availability, production requirements, and supplier performance within a manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will lead strategic sourcing and supplier development initiatives while partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to ensure materials meet production schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the supply chain organization, including purchasing, strategic sourcing, supplier management, and materials planning.

• Manage strategic commodities, particularly electronic components and other materials supporting electronic and electromechanical manufacturing.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations.

• Negotiate pricing, contracts, supplier agreements, and long-term purchasing arrangements.

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships while identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved performance.

• Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives involving quality, delivery, pricing, capacity, and responsiveness.

• Manage supplier escalations and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Oversee material planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).

• Ensure availability of components and materials to support production schedules and customer commitments.

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program Management on new product introductions, engineering changes, and production requirements.

• Identify supply chain risks, shortages, and supplier constraints while developing mitigation strategies.

• Monitor key performance indicators, including supplier on-time delivery, inventory turns, lead times, cost reductions, and material availability.

• Drive Lean initiatives, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team.

• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, customer, and regulatory requirements.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive supply chain experience, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.

• Direct experience purchasing electronic components and commodities for manufacturing operations.

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.

• Background in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, PCB/circuit board manufacturing, or electromechanical assembly strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience managing strategic suppliers, sourcing strategies, and commodity negotiations.

• Strong understanding of supplier performance, supplier development, and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Experience with S&OP, materials planning, inventory management, and demand forecasting.

• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.

• Ability to interpret bills of materials (BOMs), production requirements, and component specifications.

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management.

• Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

PARTICULARLY VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be especially attractive:

• Aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing

• Printed circuit boards (PCB) and electronic assemblies

• Electronic components and strategic commodity purchasing

• Box builds and systems integration

• Electromechanical assemblies

• High-mix, low-volume manufacturing

• ITAR-regulated manufacturing environments

• Supplier development and strategic sourcing

• Complex contract manufacturing

Experience purchasing electronic components for direct manufacturing is a key requirement. Candidates with primarily indirect purchasing, distribution, retail, or general procurement backgrounds will not be a strong fit.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required.

• MBA preferred.

• APICS, ASCM, ISM, CPSM, CPM, or related certifications preferred.

• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

• Ability to work onsite in Northwest Arkansas.

• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary: $110,000–$160,000, depending on experience.

• Annual bonus opportunity up to 10%.

• Stock options.

• Three weeks paid vacation.

• Relocation assistance up to $10,000, depending on location.

• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Company recognized by Newsweek as one of the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces.