Job SummaryOpportunity to join a leading Space and Defense manufacturing organization in Poway, CA. Our client is looking for a Project Manager to responsible for assessing and mitigating supplier cybersecurity and supply chain risks that may impact program execution, compliance, and mission assurance. This role serves as a liaison between the supply chain organization, program management, engineering, cybersecurity, and external suppliers to address third party cyber risk, supply chain risk, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance concerns.
The position continually reviews supplier and product line risk posture, assesses emerging issues, and develops mitigation strategies to support production, quality, schedule, and customer requirements. Decisions made in this role directly influence program outcomes, supplier performance, and the organization's overall compliance posture.
This position sits at the intersection of cybersecurity compliance and supply chain management. Applications are welcomed from candidates whose background is primarily in third party risk management, cybersecurity compliance, information assurance, or governance and risk, as well as from candidates with a supply chain background. Preference will be given to applicants who bring both.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Third Party and Supplier Cybersecurity Risk- Administer and support the third party risk management program by collecting, reviewing, and assessing supplier cybersecurity compliance information, including SOC 2 reports, Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scores, and CMMC certification and compliance artifacts.
- Evaluate supplier cybersecurity posture against applicable DFARS flow down requirements, identify compliance gaps, and track supplier remediation to closure.
- Interface directly with suppliers to communicate cybersecurity risk findings, understand root causes, and coordinate remediation activities, including support to suppliers working to close cybersecurity gaps and strengthen compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with cybersecurity, compliance, and legal teams to ensure supplier risk is accurately documented, monitored, escalated, and reflected in supplier onboarding, qualification, and ongoing performance review.
- Develop and maintain processes that align supply chain risk management practices with NIST SP 800-161 and applicable Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements, integrating cybersecurity supply chain risk management into existing supply chain and governance workflows.
- Monitor changes to defense industrial base cybersecurity regulations, including CMMC implementation milestones, and update supplier assessment criteria, processes, and flow down practices accordingly.
- Ensure sensitive and proprietary information, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), is properly identified and handled in accordance with contractual, regulatory, and company requirements.
Supply Chain Risk and Program Support- Conduct structured supply chain risk assessments for assigned product lines, evaluating supplier criticality, single points of failure, operational resilience, and cybersecurity posture.
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies that address identified risks, and support program and supply chain leadership in risk informed decision making.
- Research, identify, and validate supply chain risk signals using internal data sources, supplier information, and external intelligence tools, and translate those signals into actionable recommendations.
- Serve as the primary point of coordination between supply chain organizations and program offices, ensuring alignment on risk priorities, mitigation plans, and program requirements.
- Interpret and administer policies, processes, and procedures that impact supply chain risk management activities.
- Prepare and deliver progress reports, risk assessments, briefings, and presentations to internal stakeholders and customers, communicating risk status, trends, and mitigation strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences.
General- Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications- Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, cybersecurity, engineering, or a related discipline and eleven or more years of progressively complex experience in supply chain, risk management, cybersecurity, or defense related program support, with at least five of those years in supply chain. Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Must demonstrate a working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements within the defense industrial base, including DFARS clauses [redacted], [redacted], and [redacted], NIST SP 800-171, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.
- CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CISA, or CMMC certification, such as Certified Professional (CCP) or Certified Assessor (CCA), is highly desirable.
- Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in third party or vendor risk management, and to applicants with direct supply chain, procurement, or subcontracts experience.
- Preference will be given to applicants familiar with supply chain risk management principles and NIST SP 800-161.
- Must possess the ability to identify and assess risk, analyze and interpret data, and develop practical mitigation strategies for complex and non-routine issues. Strong analytical, communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work independently, lead cross functional efforts, and influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries. Experience interfacing directly with suppliers and supporting remediation activities is preferred.
- Familiarity with enterprise and risk management tools such as SAP, Optro (formerly AuditBoard), Altana, Bitsight, Resilinc, and Microsoft Office applications is desired.
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and must either have, or be eligible to obtain, a Secret clearance.
- Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required. Travel is expected to be less than 25 percent.
