The
Supplier Development & Supply Chain Performance Manager is responsible for improving supplier performance, strengthening supply chain reliability, and ensuring material availability across Columbia Helicopters' global operations and MRO activities. This role serves as the primary liaison with key suppliers, driving improvements in quality, delivery, capacity, responsiveness, and overall supplier capability while mitigating supply chain risks that impact fleet readiness and operational continuity. Working cross-functionally with Supply Chain, MRO Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Flight Operations, the manager leads supplier development initiatives, strategic sourcing activities, performance management programs, and recovery plans for critical supply challenges. The role also develops sourcing strategies for obsolete, long lead-time, and difficult-to-source aircraft components to support fleet sustainment and mission readiness.
WHAT YOU WILL DOSupplier Performance Management- Own the performance management process for strategic and critical suppliers.
- Establish supplier scorecards measuring: On-time delivery, Lead-time adherence, Quality performance, Responsiveness, Cost competitiveness, and AOG support performance.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and drive corrective actions where performance falls short.
- Lead monthly and quarterly supplier business reviews.
- Escalate critical supplier issues and ensure timely resolution.
- Develop supplier risk assessments and mitigation plans.
Supplier Development- Assess supplier operational maturity, capacity, capabilities, and risks.
- Lead supplier improvement projects focused on: Delivery performance, Quality improvement, Capacity expansion, Manufacturing efficiency, and Inventory management.
- Develop recovery plans for underperforming suppliers.
- Coach suppliers on lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ensure sustainable supplier improvements through documented action plans and follow-up reviews.
- Identify opportunities to develop alternative and secondary sources of supply.
Supply Chain Performance & Risk Management- Establish a Supply Chain Performance Dashboard for executive review.
- Monitor supply chain risks affecting fleet readiness, production schedules, and customer commitments.
- Develop early-warning indicators for critical component shortages.
- Lead mitigation plans for: Long lead-time parts, Single-source suppliers, Capacity constraints, Obsolescence risks, Supplier financial risks.
- Support fleet sustainment planning by ensuring supplier readiness aligns with forecast material demand.
Strategic Procurement- Lead sourcing initiatives for critical commodities and strategic suppliers.
- Develop long-term supplier agreements and partnership strategies.
- Conduct supplier market assessments and benchmarking.
- Support negotiations related to: Pricing, Lead times, Capacity commitments, Inventory agreements, Long-term supply contracts
- Identify cost reduction and value engineering opportunities.
Continuous Improvement- Develop supplier segmentation strategies.
- Improve procurement processes, supplier communication, and performance visibility.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence throughout the supply chain.
Obsolescence Management & Critical Material Sourcing - Lead sourcing efforts for obsolete, end-of-life, and hard-to-find aircraft components, raw materials, and specialized services critical to fleet sustainment.
- Develop and maintain a network of non-traditional suppliers, aftermarket sources, OEMs, authorized distributors, surplus inventory providers, repair stations, and specialty manufacturers.
- Conduct global market research to identify alternative sources for components affected by obsolescence, diminishing manufacturing sources (DMSMS), or extended lead times.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and MRO Operations to evaluate substitute parts, alternate materials, approved repairs, and reverse-engineering opportunities where appropriate.
- Proactively identify and mitigate obsolescence risks through lifecycle monitoring, strategic inventory planning, and long-term material availability strategies.
- Lead recovery efforts for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) and fleet-critical shortages by securing hard-to-locate components and developing expedited sourcing solutions.
- Establish supplier relationships and contracting strategies that enhance Columbia Helicopters' ability to obtain scarce or constrained materials in support of operational readiness.
- Maintain visibility to industry trends, supplier exits, material shortages, and regulatory changes that may impact long-term component availability.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Aviation Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier development, or supplier quality management.
- Experience developing and managing supplier performance metrics, scorecards, and corrective action programs.
- Demonstrated success leading supplier improvement initiatives focused on quality, delivery, capacity, cost, and operational performance.
- Experience identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including long lead-time materials, sole-source suppliers, capacity constraints, and obsolescence challenges.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret supply chain data, identify trends, and drive data-based decision making.
- Experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, lead times, and contractual commitments.
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
