What are the responsibilities and job description for the Delivery Assurance Specialist position at Katalyst CRO?
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Delivery Assurance Specialist to support and drive supplier performance within the aerospace and defense supply chain. This role is critical in ensuring on-time delivery, supplier development, and quality improvement across a complex supplier network. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain risk mitigation, supplier development, and delivery assurance, with experience in ERP systems, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Delivery Assurance:
We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Delivery Assurance Specialist to support and drive supplier performance within the aerospace and defense supply chain. This role is critical in ensuring on-time delivery, supplier development, and quality improvement across a complex supplier network. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain risk mitigation, supplier development, and delivery assurance, with experience in ERP systems, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Delivery Assurance:
- Monitor and improve supplier portal commit compliance and data integrity.
- Review and validate supplier recovery plans to meet delivery schedules.
- Collaborate with sub-tier suppliers and subcontractors to expedite critical orders.
- Analyze internal planning processes and supplier capacity constraints.
- Provide daily part tracking and WIP status updates using LOB or similar tools.
- Escalate delivery risks and non-responsiveness in real time to internal stakeholders.
- Deliver weekly progress briefings to internal teams and leadership.
- Identify and alleviate bottlenecks in supplier manufacturing processes.
- Conduct occasional onsite visits to supplier facilities to assess progress, resolve issues, and support recovery plans.
- Supplier Development
- Conduct onsite supplier assessments with cross-functional teams (quality, engineering, procurement).
- Utilize Supplier Development Playbook and CI tools to elevate supplier performance.
- Partner with suppliers to implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.
- Monitor KPIs and cost-to-serve data to drive supply chain effectiveness.
- Develop and maintain Supplier Improvement Plans (SIPs) on SharePoint.
- Coordinate across sites and functions to proactively resolve supply chain risks.
- Develop and implement Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs).
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
- Review and update quality documentation (PFMEA, Control Plans).
- Facilitate training on quality tools and confirm effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Maintain monthly reports on supplier corrective actions and quality metrics.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 35 years of experience in supply chain, supplier development, or delivery assurance in aerospace/defense.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred).
- Experience with supplier assessments, capacity planning, and production readiness.
- Familiarity with engineering outsourcing, project management, and quality systems.
- Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and manufacturing process improvement.
- Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites as needed (up to daily).