Material Program Manager

About the role

A Material Program Manager at SCI will serve as a key leader for assigned programs, including new product launches, and drive continuous improvement within the procurement organization. You will collaborate with external suppliers and internal cross-functional teams—such as Program Management, Contracts, Operations, Engineering, Legal, and Finance—to ensure high-level supply chain performance. This role involves managing suppliers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from contract execution and hardware design to production ramp-up and end-of-life.

You will act as a senior escalation point for procurement contributors, helping to build a responsive, compliant, and world-class organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main supply chain focal point for assigned programs and suppliers, maintaining strong internal and external relationships.
• Present to the Program Management Office (PMO) and executive leadership on schedule performance, program cost, and critical issues.
• Assist in developing and executing Supply Chain initiatives to support Government business strategies, including efficiency improvements, global scaling, business capture, and compliance.
• Lead collaboration meetings with supply chain functions (procurement, planning, and material control) to ensure effective demand and supply planning.
• Ensure all supply chain commitments are met, plans are executed, and risks are mitigated for assigned programs and suppliers. Break down complex procurements into manageable tasks and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Work with suppliers to meet contractual requirements, including compliance with program milestones and deliverables outlined in statements of work.
• Facilitate supplier New Product Introduction (NPI) execution, ensuring smooth ramp-up from design and development to production, including resource planning, process development, capacity ramp-up, and material clear-to-build.
• Act as a key escalation point for procurement staff on complex supplier engagement and performance issues.
• Drive Supplier Design for Manufacturing engagement and material cost reduction activities.
• Manage Bid Cost and drive Purchase Price Variance (PPV) performance to exceed program goals.
• Ensure Program Excess and Obsolete (E&O) inventory is managed and reported to the PMO to meet established goals.
• Track and manage supplier performance, including risks, opportunities, problems, decisions, and schedules.
• Engage operations resources for process development, technical support, and quality assurance as needed.
• Passionately drive supply chain improvements to exceed internal and external customer expectations.

Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience working with suppliers in an entrepreneurial, high-tech environment.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARs and experience defending procurements with customers and/or DCMA/DCAA.
• Experience preparing pricing for government proposals.
• Experience with contract management, project management, and supplier relationship management in a low-volume, high-mix, or complex environment.
• Experience with development and ramp-up in electronics hardware manufacturing.
• Experience with Statements of Work, supplier contract development, and negotiations.
• Ability to lead in a matrix environment to achieve schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Understanding of supply chain functions, including demand/supply planning, procurement, and material control.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation), including the ability to present to senior managers and program leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with supplier development and/or top-tier supplier management.
• Technical degree preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems, such as Oracle, or similar.
• Experience with PLM or Agile systems.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.