Vice President Supply Chain - North America

RENK America is a leading supplier in the defense, marine, and industry sector with superior mobility, propulsion, and drive train solutions. Our tradition is centered on precision-engineered systems for maximum impact, efficiency, and endurance. RENK's ambition is to support each and every one of its customers to exceed standards in harsh conditions and combat situations. RENK America employs over 500 employees at US locations in Muskegon, Michigan; Cincinnati, Ohio; Camby, Indiana; and Roseville, Michigan.

About the role

The Vice President of Supply Chain, North America oversees all strategic and operational procurement activities for the region within a federal defense manufacturing environment. This leader is responsible for developing supplier strategies, ensuring compliant sourcing aligned with FAR/DFARS requirements, and driving cost, quality, and delivery performance across a complex supply base. The role partners extensively with Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Contracts, Quality, and Global Supply Chain to ensure procurement excellence that supports mission-critical defense programs.

• Lead and develop the North America procurement organization, including strategic sourcing, tactical buying, subcontract management, and supplier development.
• Build and maintain a resilient, high-performing supply base that meets quality, cost, delivery, cyber compliance, and security requirements.
• Oversee end-to-end sourcing strategies for direct materials, engineered components, services, and critical defense technologies.
• Ensure full compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FARS/DFARS), ITAR, and internal policies governing supplier selection, documentation, cost/price analysis, and audit readiness.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Global Procurement to align procurement execution with program schedules, technical requirements, and customer commitments.
• Identify and mitigate supplier risks across quality, financial health, geopolitical considerations, and capacity constraints; implement supplier recovery and performance management plans as needed.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives, long-term sourcing agreements, and value-engineering activities.
• Oversee negotiation of complex contracts, subcontracts, and long-term agreements, ensuring favorable terms aligned with federal contracting expectations.
• Collaborate with global procurement leadership to align regional sourcing strategies with enterprise-wide goals.
• Provide executive-level reporting on supplier performance, key risks, cost trends, and major procurement initiatives.
• Champion digital tools, analytics, and process improvements to increase procurement efficiency and transparency.
• Ensure the procurement team is trained and capable in regulatory compliance, negotiation, technical aptitude, supplier management, and documentation accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field with 12+ years progressive procurement or supply chain leadership within defense, aerospace, or equivalent
• Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field with 10+ years progressive procurement or supply chain leadership within defense, aerospace, or equivalent
• 5+ years leading procurement / supply chain teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience in leading teams and building team culture
• Proven experience managing complex supplier networks, subcontractors, and engineered products
• Strong negotiation skills
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, CPSR compliance, and federal contracting environments
• Ability to navigate and resolve complex technical, contractual, or operational issues
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across executive, program, and engineering teams

Schedule

Full-Time