What are the responsibilities and job description for the Key Supplier Management Lead position at Leonardo DRS?
Job ID: 114934
The Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business provides C4I Network computing and integrated situational awareness, as well as state-of-the-art embedded diagnostics, vehicle power management and combat vehicle integration products and services.
Role Details
• Business Unit: Land Electronics
• Location: Melbourne, FL
• Career Functional Area: Supply Chain
• Telework Type: Hybrid
• Relocation Available: Yes
• Type: Full-time Employee
• Schedule: 9/80
• Shift: 1st
Our Mission
At Leonardo DRS Land Electronics, we build rugged, cutting-edge electronic systems that keep our warfighters connected, protected, and dominant on every battlefield. From advanced vehicle electronics and power management to tactical communications and sensor integration, our gear is engineered for the harshest environments – and the highest stakes. We move fast, innovate relentlessly, and deliver solutions that turn technology into tactical advantage. Join us and own the edge where innovation meets mission.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Key Supplier Management Lead to drive strategic supplier relationships and ensure strong supplier performance across critical categories. This role is responsible for leading supplier management efforts focused on supplier performance, risk management, cost and price strategy, and long-term agreement development and execution.
The ideal candidate will combine strong commercial acumen, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional leadership to improve supply continuity, reduce risk, and deliver long-term value to the business.
Essential Functions
- Establish, monitor, and improve supplier KPIs, including quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and service.
- Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers to assess performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective actions.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supplier-related risks, including operational, financial, geopolitical, capacity, and continuity risks.
- Lead supplier price negotiations and cost management initiatives to achieve business objectives.
- Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to supplier pricing and cost impacts.
- Lead the development, negotiation, implementation, and ongoing management of long-term agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers.
- Ensure agreements address pricing, capacity, delivery expectations, performance metrics, risk protections, and escalation mechanisms.
- Collaborate with procurement, supply chain, engineering, operations, finance, quality, and legal teams to align supplier strategies with business objectives.
- Support sourcing and category management initiatives where supplier relationship leadership is required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with 8 years of related experience.
- Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS).
- Working knowledge of government contracting processes, including sole source and competitive procurements.
- Experience with a range of contract types, such as FFP, CPFF, CPIF, T&M, and IDIQ, including appropriate terms and conditions for each.
- Knowledge of source selection, proposal evaluation, cost analysis, and price analysis.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with solid computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications / Additional Skills
- Experienced with contract manufacturing and circuit card assemblies.
- Experienced supporting complex defense or government programs with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
- Ability to build strong internal and external relationships while influencing decisions across functions.
- Demonstrated experience managing strategic/key suppliers in a complex business environment.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, supplier scorecards, and data analysis tools.
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or equivalent.
- The ideal candidate will reside within commuting distance of Melbourne, FL to support onsite collaboration and business needs as required
Why This Role Matters
This role is a chance to influence supplier strategy, strengthen program execution, and help teams deliver commitments that matter. The right candidate will bring sound judgment, strong business discipline, and the ability to lead through complexity while building trust across the organization.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LEL