Key Accountabilities:
- Strategic Supplier Selection:
- Identify and evaluate potential strategic suppliers aligned with the organization's objectives and quality standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess supplier capabilities, capacities, and innovations.
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive database of potential suppliers for current and future needs.
- Contract Negotiation and Management:
- Lead negotiations for contracts and agreements, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the organization.
- Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to develop robust contracts that mitigate risks and protect the organization's interests.
- Monitor contract compliance and manage contract variations as needed.
- Performance Metrics and Continuous Improvement:
- Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance.
- Conduct regular supplier assessments and implement improvement plans where necessary.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the supplier network.
- Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including procurement, quality, and engineering teams, to integrate supplier capabilities into product development and innovation processes.
- Ensure seamless communication and coordination between the organization and its suppliers.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and assess potential risks within the supplier network.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure a resilient supply chain.
- Stay informed about geopolitical, economic, and industry trends that may impact the supplier landscape.
Experience & Education Qualifications:
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in supplier relationship management, with a focus on the defense or aerospace industry.
- Proven track record of successful negotiations, contract management, and supplier development.
- In-depth knowledge of international procurement regulations and best practices.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach.
- Collaborative and able to build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Proactive problem solver with a results-oriented mindset.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.