Supplier Development Lead

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance. An active and transferable U.S. government-issued security clearance is required prior to start date.

About the Role

This is a remote role within the Global Supplier Development organization, responsible for driving supplier recovery, capability improvement, and sustainable performance. The Supplier Development Lead (SDL) supports operational containment, supplier assessments, and execution of structured improvement plans across global commodities. The ideal candidate is both detail-oriented and strategic, capable of managing crisis situations and long-term development actions. This role requires travel at least 50% of the time to support supplier development needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and supplier containment actions in collaboration with Operations and Quality.
• Facilitate supplier kick-off meetings to align expectations and establish rapid response actions.
• Conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations to resolve critical quality or delivery issues.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to develop and implement improvement plans and ensure clear communication through plan review checkpoints.
• Monitor leading and lagging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess progress.
• Evaluate whether exit criteria have been achieved for containment efforts; escalate persistent issues to crisis mode or tiger teams when warranted.
• Partner with Commodity Teams and SBUs to ensure closed-loop feedback and transition to sustainable operations.
• Lead supplier site identification and prioritize development efforts aligned with risk, impact, and strategic commodity needs.
• Conduct supplier assessments using SRA, SHA, Gemba, and other tools.
• Engage suppliers with development roadmaps, training, and targeted actions tied to maturity models and long-term growth.
• Align with Commodity Managers and Engineering teams on supplier readiness for new programs or volume ramp-ups.
• Facilitate structured improvement plan development, KPI tracking, and gate reviews.
• Monitor progress toward achieving target maturity levels and initiate sustainment planning once development objectives are met.
• Support long-term monitoring and re-engagement cycles to ensure supplier performance remains stable.
• Develop and build manufacturing process technology tools and standardization, including FMEA and Control Plans.
• Provide leadership and/or support for supplier transitions, ensuring a smooth handover of work scope with minimal disruption.
• Support the sustainment phase by monitoring supplier maturity post-transition and ensuring long-term capability.
• Align with internal business units and suppliers to reinforce performance expectations and continuous improvement efforts.
• Execute APQP for new product launch and work transition projects.

Key Interfaces

• Commodity Managers
• Quality Assurance & Engineering
• Operations and Planning
• Supplier Business Units (SBUs)
• Supplier Site Leadership
• Crisis Response and Tiger Teams

Requirements

• University Degree and minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed (minimum 50% of the time).

Qualifications

• Experience leading supplier recovery efforts and supplier transitions.
• Ability to conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for critical quality or delivery issues.
• Project management experience.
• Background in operations/manufacturing, engineering, quality, or supply chain with supplier-facing work.
• Experience working with engineered items (castings, plastics, machining, mechanical fabrication, forgings, electrics).
• Ability to apply lean principles/tools for continuous improvement and process management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Experience with and creation of LOB (Line of Balance), WIP (Work in Progress) trackers, Clear to Build, Inch stone charts.

Additional Skills

• Demonstrated executive presence with the ability to effectively present to customers, engage with VP-level leadership, and collaborate directly with CEOs and Presidents at key suppliers.
• High energy, strong communication skills, and ability to build cross-functional relationships across Collins Aerospace.
• Strong organizational skills and work orientation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.

Pay

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.