Principal, Supplier Program Manager

Principal, Supplier Program Manager

Location: Rockford, IL (specific site provided during interview)
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required
Schedule: Initial 4/10s (Fri–Mon, 5AM–3PM), transitioning to 5/8s (Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM) upon milestone completion

Overview

A leading aerospace and defense supplier in the Rockford area is seeking a Principal, Supplier Program Manager to oversee supplier performance, strengthen relationships, and ensure contract compliance. This role requires a seasoned professional capable of driving complex production and supply chain initiatives while coordinating across multifunctional teams in a highly regulated environment.

As the on-site focal point, you will lead supplier engagement, resolve production issues, and ensure alignment with cost, schedule, quality, and delivery expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary on-site and virtual point of contact for all supplier activities.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across operations, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
• Develop and execute supplier management strategies to enhance collaboration and elevate performance.
• Monitor supplier adherence to contractual requirements and production schedules.
• Identify risk areas, opportunities, and operational challenges, implementing tactical resolution plans.
• Address daily production issues, escalating critical concerns to maintain program continuity.
• Prepare and deliver progress briefings, status reports, and key updates for leadership.
• Ensure accountability for program metrics including cost, schedule, quality, and delivery.
• Review production plans and resolve bottlenecks; experience with line-of-balance analysis is a plus.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and issue resolution across technical disciplines.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong ability to organize, prioritize, and execute complex objectives across short- and long-term timelines.
• Effective communicator who fosters collaboration across multiple technical areas.
• Background in operations or supply chain management, ideally with technically complex or regulated products.
• Ability to analyze and resolve production and scheduling issues.
• Experience managing supplier performance in demanding environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with line-of-balance methodologies or production schedule analysis.
• Experience with supplier oversight in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Education & Experience Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• Graduate degree and at least 4 years of related experience
• OR 15 years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead high-impact supplier initiatives and support mission-critical operations within the aerospace and defense sector.

#WCH

#WCH

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $74.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $74