Aerospace Supply Chain Lead

Overview

Expleo Group USA is seeking experienced Aerospace Supply Chain Leads to support current aerospace, defense, aviation, and advanced manufacturing programs.

This role is focused on supply chain strategy, strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, make-versus-buy analysis, supplier performance management, and production readiness initiatives that ensure operational success across complex manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies aligned with program, manufacturing, and production objectives.
• Lead sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
• Support production readiness efforts and ensure material availability to meet program schedules and customer commitments.
• Monitor supply chain KPIs, supplier performance metrics, and inventory effectiveness.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance supply chain efficiency, responsiveness, and operational performance.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to support program execution and long-term supply chain excellence.

Make vs. Buy Analysis

• Lead comprehensive make-versus-buy evaluations for components, assemblies, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Program Management teams to evaluate cost, quality, capacity, schedule, and risk considerations.
• Develop business cases and recommendations supporting strategic sourcing decisions.
• Assess internal manufacturing capabilities versus external supplier solutions.
• Drive sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery performance, and scalability.
• Support long-term manufacturing and supply chain planning initiatives through data-driven decision making.

Supplier Development & Qualification

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to support current and future program requirements.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, qualification reviews, audits, and onboarding activities.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships that support business objectives.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, capacity, and cost performance.
• Support supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives when performance issues arise.
• Ensure suppliers meet aerospace industry standards, customer requirements, and quality expectations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to establish robust supplier development strategies.

Supplier Performance Management

• Establish supplier scorecards and supplier performance measurement systems.
• Monitor supplier KPIs including: On-Time Delivery (OTD), Quality Performance ,Responsiveness, Capacity Management, Cost Competitiveness
• Lead supplier business reviews and performance improvement initiatives.
• Develop supplier risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and supplier diversification strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement programs that strengthen supplier reliability and operational performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up activities.
• Work closely with Quality teams to ensure supplier compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Support Program Management in achieving schedule commitments and supply chain readiness objectives.
• Communicate supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and risk mitigation plans to leadership teams.
• Collaborate across Operations, Production, Quality, and Engineering functions to resolve supply chain issues and improve execution.
• Support strategic initiatives that enhance organizational capability and supply chain resilience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and significant supply chain experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of supply chain, sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or related experience.
• Experience supporting aerospace, aviation, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience conducting make-versus-buy analyses and strategic sourcing evaluations.
• Experience identifying, qualifying, onboarding, and developing suppliers.
• Strong understanding of aerospace supply chain requirements, supplier quality expectations, and production support processes.
• Experience managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace Supply Chain Operations
• Direct aerospace OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Familiarity with Airbus programs, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or advanced aerospace technologies.
• Existing knowledge of Pacific Northwest aerospace and manufacturing supplier networks.
• Experience sourcing composites, machined components, electronics, avionics, or aerospace assemblies.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, CSCP, or related supply chain certifications.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing qualification processes.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up activities.
• Experience working with ERP, MRP, or enterprise supply chain management systems.

What We Offer

At Expleo Group USA, we value expertise, innovation, and collaboration. By joining our client's team, you'll support industry-leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing programs while contributing to supply chain strategies that enable operational success and program execution.

• Competitive Compensation – Up to $140,000 annually or $68/hourly. Final compensation will be determined based on the role, skill alignment, years of experience, and fair, market-based rates by geography.
• Comprehensive Benefits for You and Your Dependents – Extensive Medical Plans, Dental, Vision, HSA with company contribution, company-sponsored Life Insurance and Short/Long-Term Disability Insurance, a host of voluntary plans including legal, hospital, accident, pet wellness, and 401(k) with matching.
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Career Development and Advancement – Expleo is a global company operating in 29 countries with a strong focus on professional development.
• Strong Team Culture – Collaborate with experienced professionals who value operational excellence, innovation, and teamwork.

This position may require access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR). Employment is contingent upon the ability to obtain such access. Under these regulations, access may be limited to "U.S. Persons," including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and individuals granted refugee or asylee status.

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services, and management consulting for digital transformation. We are a talent incubator. The time you spend at Expleo will turbocharge your career, allowing you to work on complex technical challenges, expand your skills, and participate in inspiring multidisciplinary collaborations. Whether working on next-generation aerospace programs, advanced manufacturing initiatives, or strategic supply chain transformations, you'll have the opportunity to become a bolder version of yourself. Let's change the game together.

Expleo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to non-discrimination in all stages of the recruitment process, ensuring fair and unbiased hiring practices. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.

Benefits

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