Director, Supplier Programs

Job Description:

Saab, Inc. is looking for a dynamic Director of Supplier Programs out of our Syracuse, NY office. The Director of Supplier Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for supplier performance, subcontract execution, and cost account management across all major programs. The Director ensures supplier cost, schedule, and technical performance align with program baselines, customer expectations, and contractual requirements.

This role leads a team of Supplier Program Managers (SPMs) who serve as Cost Account Managers (CAMs) on Integrated Program Teams (IPTs). The Director integrates supply chain execution into program performance management, ensuring the readiness, accountability, and visibility required to deliver complex defense systems reliably and compliantly.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Lead all supplier-facing program execution activities, aligning supply chain strategies with program cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Oversee supplier integration into program planning, ensuring subcontracted scope is accurately reflected in Earned Value Management (EVM) baselines and program risk assessments.
• Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to develop tactical sourcing and execution strategies for development, production, and sustainment phases.
• Support business capture to program execution handoffs to enable successful transition into execution phase.
• Represent Supply Chain in program gate reviews, customer meetings, and Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs).
• Ensure subcontract management activities adhere to FAR/DFARS, DCMA, and internal policy requirements.
• Drive supplier readiness and performance accountability through structured reviews, data-driven metrics, and proactive risk mitigation.

Program Execution & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the day-to-day execution of supplier deliverables across all active programs, ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, and technical baselines.
• Lead cross-functional supplier performance reviews (i.e. Quarterly Business Reviews, subcontract Program Management Reviews) to ensure schedule adherence, cost control, and quality metrics are achieved.
• Drive collaboration between Supply Chain, Operations, and Program Management to identify and resolve supplier issues impacting program performance.
• Ensure supplier forecasts, lead times, and delivery commitments align with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and material requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement in supplier performance management, integrating lessons learned, predictive analytics, and supplier scorecards.
• Ensure all subcontract modifications, change proposals, and risk adjustments are accurately reflected in program EACs.
• Establish and monitor supplier performance dashboards and EV metrics to provide real-time visibility to leadership.

People & Organizational Leadership

• Lead a distributed team of Supplier Program Managers, fostering strong program engagement and supplier ownership.
• Build high-performing talent capable of operating in a matrixed, fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Establish clear performance metrics for supplier cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Partner with functional leaders to develop the next generation of supply chain program leaders.
• Represent the Supply Chain organization in executive reviews, customer engagements, and DCMA audits.

Compensation Range: $184,400 - $248,900

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.

• Master’s degree (MBA or MS Supply Chain) preferred.

• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in Subcontracts, Program Management, or Supply Chain within the Aerospace & Defense industry.

• 3+ years in a leadership role managing supplier performance or program integration functions.

• Experience supporting EVM, DCMA surveillance, and DoD program execution required.

• Deep understanding of program execution, EVM, and subcontract management in a defense or aerospace context.

• Strong command of supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost account management.

• Knowledg