Supply Chain Manager

Job Descriptions:

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for end-to-end supply chain execution at Technical Directions Inc., including sourcing, procurement, material planning, inventory control, logistics, supplier quality coordination, and delivery performance. This role ensures material, components, and services are available on time, in the correct configuration, at the right cost, to support Engineering, Assembly, Test, and Program execution.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Supply Chain Manager serves as the single point of accountability for supply chain readiness, integrating demand signals from Programs and Operations with supplier execution and internal material flow.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution

• Own execution of supply chain activities supporting engineering, assembly, production, test, and program delivery

• Translate operational and program demand into executable supply chain plans

• Balance cost, schedule, risk, and quality in daily supply chain decisions

• Serve as escalation owner for material, supplier, and logistics constraints

Procurement, Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead procurement and sourcing activities in accordance with approved strategies and policies

• Oversee Buyers and ensure disciplined purchase-order execution

• Manage supplier performance related to delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness

• Lead supplier issue resolution, recovery plans, and corrective actions

• Support supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing performance management

Material Planning, Inventory & Kitting Oversight

• Own material planning, inventory accuracy, and kitting readiness

• Ensure MRP signals translate into material availability aligned to build schedules

• Oversee MP&L & Kitting execution, inventory control, and traceability

• Drive resolution of shortages, excess, and inventory discrepancies

Operations, Engineering & Program Integration

• Partner with Manufacturing to ensure material readiness supports Assembly & Test execution

• Coordinate with Engineering and Configuration Management on material impacts of design changes

• Support Program Management with material status, risk, and recovery actions

• Ensure supply chain execution aligns with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and MPS

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure supply chain activities comply with AS9100D, QMS, and internal procedures

• Partner with Quality on supplier quality issues, SCARs, audits, and corrective actions

• Ensure proper flow-down of quality, contractual, and regulatory requirements

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks proactively

Cost Control & Financial Alignment

• Support cost control through disciplined procurement and inventory management

• Partner with Cost Analyst on material cost visibility, variance analysis, and cost risk

• Ensure purchasing and inventory decisions support margin and financial objectives

• Support make/buy decisions and cost trade studies

Logistics, Shipping & Receiving Coordination

• Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, shipping, and receiving activities

• Ensure compliance with ITAR, export controls, and shipping documentation requirements

• Maintain material traceability and receiving accuracy in MRP systems

Metrics, Reporting & Operating Discipline

• Own and report supply chain performance metrics (OTD, shortages, inventory accuracy, supplier performance)

• Participate in Daily/Weekly Operations Reviews and Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs)

• Provide clear, timely status and escalation to the Director of Operations

• Drive corrective actions to close performance gaps

Continuous Improvement & Process Discipline

• Follow established procurement procedures, work instructions, and controls

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, data accuracy, and supplier responsiveness

• Reinforce disciplined execution aligned with Supply Chain standards

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop supply chain personnel including Buyers, MP&L & Kitting, and logistics staff

• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability

• Support training, cross-training, and succession planning

• Reinforce disciplined execution and continuous improvement of culture

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Direct leadership over Buyers, MP&L & Kitting, Shipping & Receiving and other supply chain staff

• Responsible for daily task prioritization, staffing, and execution discipline

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong understanding of supply chain operations, procurement, and material planning

• Experience leading supply chain execution in regulated manufacturing environments

• Working knowledge of AS9100D, configuration control, and supplier quality requirements

• Ability to interpret engineering BOMs, schedules, and production plans

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or turbomachinery manufacturing

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Costpoint preferred)

• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume production environments

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline (Equivalent experience may be considered)

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or material management

• 3+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Experience supporting government or defense customers

• Experience scaling supply chain capability in growth environments

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments

• Frequent interaction with shop floor, inventory, and suppliers

• May require extended hours during shortages, recovery efforts, or production surges

• Ability to walk, stand, and perform on-site assessments

• May be required to lift materials, components, or packages up to 40 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

0-20% as required to support suppliers, audits, customer visits, or other Kratos locations

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

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Keyword: supply chain management, procurement, sourcing, material planning, inventory control, logistics, supplier management, AS9100D, MRP, ERP, cost control, risk mitigation, aerospace, leadership

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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From: Kratos Defense