Material Program Manager

Overview

The Material Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement and supply of materials needed for a project or program, ensuring that materials are available on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement material strategies for specific projects or programs.
• Collaborate with project teams to understand material requirements and timelines.
• Create and maintain material delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with project milestones.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Work closely with procurement teams to negotiate contracts and secure materials in a timely manner.
• Establish strong relationships with suppliers and address any supply chain disruptions or issues.
• Manage the material budget for the program, ensuring material costs stay within approved limits.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, including supplier negotiations and process improvements.
• Track and report on material expenditures, variances, and forecasts.
• Proactively identify risks related to material shortages, supplier disruptions, or market fluctuations.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including alternative sourcing and buffer stock planning.
• Monitor supply chain performance to anticipate potential delays and adjust plans accordingly.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and project management teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and suppliers to address material issues and drive resolutions.
• Work with quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet the required specifications and standards.
• Implement and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to supplier on-time delivery, and supplier performance.
• Maintain accurate records of material orders, deliveries, and costs.
• Provide regular status updates to program leadership on material availability, risks, and costs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations for material management.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and material logistics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., Infor LN, SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems).
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Skilled at analyzing data to inform decision-making and optimize material flow.
• Ability to track complex material schedules and manage multiple suppliers simultaneously.
• Able to quickly respond to changes in material requirements, production schedules, or supplier issues.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 10+ years experience in Aerospace manufacturing operations; defense contract manufacturing experience preferred.
• Global supply chain experience preferred.
• Proven experience in developing, negotiating, and closing subcontracts with large spend (greater than $500,000 USD) suppliers.
• Experience with sourcing and managing the following commodity suppliers:
  • Composites (mid to high volume)
  • Aerospace wing, fuselage, and flight surface composite manufacturing experience a plus
  • Small gasoline engine propulsion - Aerospace
  • Electric, Electronic and Electro-mechanical components; established relationships with key franchised distributors including Arrow, Avnet, TTI, etc.
  • Avionics including flight GPS systems, flight controllers and autopilot systems.
  • Wire Harness manufacturing

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment. For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance