Job Requirements What You Will Do:We are seeking an experienced Supplier Development & Performance Lead to manage the turnaround and continuous improvement initiatives at aerospace manufacturing suppliers, with a primary focus on machine shops and precision machining operations. This role serves as a hands-on operational leader responsible for rapidly assessing supplier performance, identifying operational gaps, implementing corrective actions, and driving measurable improvements in quality, delivery, productivity, workforce capability, and customer satisfaction.
The successful candidate will work directly at supplier facilities, partnering with ownership, leadership teams, supervisors, customers and production personnel to stabilize operations and establish sustainable processes that meet aerospace industry requirements.
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a hands-on operations and manufacturing leader who is equally comfortable on the shop floor as in stakeholder meetings. They possess the technical expertise to evaluate machining operations, the leadership skills to influence supplier management teams, and the operational discipline to drive measurable improvements in quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance. They thrive in challenging situations and have a proven history of stabilizing and transforming underperforming aerospace suppliers.
What You Will Do:Operational Assessment & Recovery- Conduct comprehensive supplier operational assessments to identify constraints, inefficiencies, and performance gaps.
- Develop and execute turnaround plans for underperforming suppliers.
- Establish performance baselines and improvement roadmaps with measurable milestones.
- Analyze production flow, machine utilization, capacity, staffing, and scheduling effectiveness.
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
Delivery Performance Improvement- Improve on-time delivery performance through production planning, scheduling, and capacity management.
- Identify bottlenecks impacting throughput and customer commitments.
- Develop recovery plans for late orders and backlog reduction.
- Implement sales, inventory, and operations planning (SIOP) disciplines where appropriate.
- Monitor key production metrics and drive accountability.
Quality & Aerospace Compliance- Assess compliance with aerospace quality standards including AS9100 and customer requirements.
- Improve process control and manufacturing discipline.
- Support corrective and preventive actions related to quality escapes and customer complaints.
- Reduce scrap, rework, and nonconformance rates.
- Collaborate with quality teams during audits and customer reviews
Workforce Development & Training- Evaluate workforce capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop and deliver training programs for supervisors, planners, machinists, inspectors, and operational personnel.
- Coach site leadership on performance management and continuous improvement practices.
- Establish standardized work instructions and process documentation.
- Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Facilitate Kaizen events and value stream mapping exercises.
- Implement visual management systems and performance dashboards.
- Improve shop floor organization through 5S and workplace standardization.
- Drive cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.
Stakeholder Management- Serve as the primary liaison between customer leadership and supplier management teams.
- Present findings, recovery plans, risk assessments, and progress updates to executive leadership.
- Build collaborative relationships while maintaining accountability for results.
- Escalate critical risks impacting quality, delivery, or customer commitments.
What You Will Bring:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, machining operations, supplier quality, supplier development, or operational leadership.
- Proven track record of improving supplier performance in aerospace or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, special processes, and aerospace supply chain requirements.
- Experience leading operational turnarounds and recovery initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong project management and change management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications- AS9100 experience.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Aerospace OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience.
- Supplier Development or Supplier Quality Engineering background.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning processes.
Pay Range: $130,000 - $160,000 annual salary
Compensation decisions are made based on factors including experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors, in accordance with our internal pay structure. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan.
Work Requirements: This role is considered an on-site position located in Circle Pines, MN.
- You must be able to commute to and from the location with your own transportation arrangements to meet the required working hours.
- Shop floor environment, which may include but not limited to extensive walking, and ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Travel requirements: This position is primarily onsite in Circles Pines, MN but short-term travel to other locations may be required.
Citizenship Requirement: Due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship is required.
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
