Category Lead - Strategic Sourcing Mechanical

Job ID: 108019 

 

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA.  EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms.  We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance. 

 

 Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Job Summary

 

Reports to the Director of Supply Chain. This individual is responsible for overall management of the supply base supporting critical commodities/categories with an emphasis on build to print aerospace components including, but not limited to machined components and mechanical assemblies.

Job Responsibilities

 

• The Sr. Commodity Manager of Mechanical/Electrical will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for four lines of business within DRS EOIS
• Develop commodity supplier sourcing strategy ensuring the supplier is capable of meeting DRS current and future technical and business requirements with an emphasis on quality, cost control, availability and delivery.
• Optimizing commodity spending & provide targeted annual savings through cost reductions and operational improvements, measuring and reporting through monthly KPIs
• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams to develop effective commodity strategies, Supplier relationship, communication and change management strategies.
• Provide guidance to internal procurement staff and engineering customers on design for manufacturability, supply chain optimization, and cost reduction strategies for mechanical commodities, including machined components, mechanical components, sheet metal, forgings, castings, and hardware, etc.
• Continuous improvement to monitor technology trends and ensure best practices are incorporated into the DRS EOIS Supply Chain
• Assist procurement in selecting appropriate sources that improve value to the organization, and help attain targeted results for product quality, service to sales and profit
• Leverage demand forecasts and upcoming design releases to ensure the supply base has ample manufacturing capacity and quality yield to enable production plan.
• Collaborate with internal Proposals/Cost Estimating on design reviews, scorecard/roadmaps, schedule and supplier quality requirements.
• Acquire & maintain technical understanding of related parts
• Support negotiations with suppliers in partnership with the procurement organization, business reviews, supplier scorecards, supply risk & other supplier management functions
• Assess market conditions, identify industry best practices and emerging trends; identify new value creation opportunities through effective strategic planning
• Develop, grow, and manage relationships with counterparts at key suppliers, lead quarterly QBRs
• Assist in implementation of procurement policies with suppliers to ensure flexibility and minimize working capital requirements
• Assess ongoing performance of supply base and drive effective performance improvement
• Interfaces with engineering on emerging technical initiatives and collaborates with purchasing in support of those initiatives
• Lead or assist procurement in negotiating LTAs negotiator for team in complex negotiations
• Partner with Supplier Quality and Procurement to organize efforts with regards to supplier performance improvements, expedite requests, and Supplier onsite support on critical recovery plans
• Work with Operational Procurement, Engineering and Program Management to ensure the successful introduction of new programs and successful transfer of production requirements to new suppliers
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to inform ‘Make vs. Buy’ decisions, down select an optimal sourcing plan taking into account NPI requirements, production rates, technology, price trend, market and industry position, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with leadership from other Business Units and the corporate commodity organization to develop broad based commodity or supplier strategies
   

Skills

 

• Strong understanding of Supplier & Project Management
• Strong experience in Relationship & Change Management
• Proven background in sourcing within USG compliance requirements, FAR and DFAR
• Demonstrated cross-functional team leadership
• Ability to drive aggressive implementation plans and schedules
• Must be able to problem solve and handle multiple tasks effectively
• Strong background and ability to monitor and ensure administration of contracts by procurement