Material Program Manager

Job 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.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• 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 / Certifications

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

Experience

• 10+ 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

• 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

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.